The Strategic Integrated Fund Management Model (SIFMM): Driving Financial Stability in Emerging Banking Sectors

Abstract This study investigates how regulatory conditions and institutional fund management practices jointly determine financial stability within the Ethiopian commercial banking sector. Adopting a convergent mixed-methods research design, the study triangulates empirical panel data from 31 commercial banks, quantitative survey responses showing a 98% response rate, and qualitative insights from senior treasury managers and central bank supervisors. The paper introduces and validates the Strategic Integrated Fund Management Model (SIFMM). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and hierarchical regression confirm that internal fund management capabilities drive financial stability. Conversely, regulatory variables exert indirect effects mediated by internal institutional controls. The qualitative findings highlight the critical role of Asset–Liability Committees (ALCO) and real-time treasury tracking systems. The study concludes that banking stability represents a dynamically constructed strategic capability rather than passive regulatory compliance.