the goldman sachs group , inc .
and subsidiaries management 2019s discussion and analysis 2018 versus 2017 .
provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of earnings was $ 674 million for 2018 , compared with $ 657 million for 2017 , as the higher provision for credit losses primarily related to consumer loan growth in 2018 was partially offset by an impairment of approximately $ 130 million on a secured loan in 2017 .
2017 versus 2016 .
provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of earnings was $ 657 million for 2017 , compared with $ 182 million for 2016 , reflecting an increase in impairments , which included an impairment of approximately $ 130 million on a secured loan in 2017 , and higher provision for credit losses primarily related to consumer loan growth .
operating expenses our operating expenses are primarily influenced by compensation , headcount and levels of business activity .
compensation and benefits includes salaries , discretionary compensation , amortization of equity awards and other items such as benefits .
discretionary compensation is significantly impacted by , among other factors , the level of net revenues , overall financial performance , prevailing labor markets , business mix , the structure of our share-based compensation programs and the external environment .
in addition , see 201cuse of estimates 201d for further information about expenses that may arise from litigation and regulatory proceedings .
the table below presents operating expenses by line item and headcount. .

$ in millions
year ended december 2018
year ended december 2017
year ended december 2016
compensation and benefits
$ 12328
$ 11653
$ 11448
brokerage clearing exchange and distribution fees
3200
2876
2823
market development
740
588
457
communications and technology
1023
897
809
depreciation and amortization
1328
1152
998
occupancy
809
733
788
professional fees
1214
1165
1081
other expenses
2819
1877
1900
total operating expenses
$ 23461
$ 20941
$ 20304
headcount atperiod-end
36600
33600
32400

in the table above , the following reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts to conform to the current presentation : 2030 regulatory-related fees that are paid to exchanges are now reported in brokerage , clearing , exchange and distribution fees .
previously such amounts were reported in other expenses .
2030 headcount consists of our employees , and excludes consultants and temporary staff previously reported as part of total staff .
as a result , expenses related to these consultants and temporary staff are now reported in professional fees .
previously such amounts were reported in compensation and benefits expenses .
2018 versus 2017 .
operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings were $ 23.46 billion for 2018 , 12% ( 12 % ) higher than 2017 .
our efficiency ratio ( total operating expenses divided by total net revenues ) for 2018 was 64.1% ( 64.1 % ) , compared with 64.0% ( 64.0 % ) for 2017 .
the increase in operating expenses compared with 2017 was primarily due to higher compensation and benefits expenses , reflecting improved operating performance , and significantly higher net provisions for litigation and regulatory proceedings .
brokerage , clearing , exchange and distribution fees were also higher , reflecting an increase in activity levels , and technology expenses increased , reflecting higher expenses related to computing services .
in addition , expenses related to consolidated investments and our digital lending and deposit platform increased , with the increases primarily in depreciation and amortization expenses , market development expenses and other expenses .
the increase compared with 2017 also included $ 297 million related to the recently adopted revenue recognition standard .
see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information about asu no .
2014-09 , 201crevenue from contracts with customers ( topic 606 ) . 201d net provisions for litigation and regulatory proceedings for 2018 were $ 844 million compared with $ 188 million for 2017 .
2018 included a $ 132 million charitable contribution to goldman sachs gives , our donor-advised fund .
compensation was reduced to fund this charitable contribution to goldman sachs gives .
we ask our participating managing directors to make recommendations regarding potential charitable recipients for this contribution .
as of december 2018 , headcount increased 9% ( 9 % ) compared with december 2017 , reflecting an increase in technology professionals and investments in new business initiatives .
2017 versus 2016 .
operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings were $ 20.94 billion for 2017 , 3% ( 3 % ) higher than 2016 .
our efficiency ratio for 2017 was 64.0% ( 64.0 % ) compared with 65.9% ( 65.9 % ) for 2016 .
the increase in operating expenses compared with 2016 was primarily driven by slightly higher compensation and benefits expenses and our investments to fund growth .
higher expenses related to consolidated investments and our digital lending and deposit platform were primarily included in depreciation and amortization expenses , market development expenses and other expenses .
in addition , technology expenses increased , reflecting higher expenses related to cloud-based services and software depreciation , and professional fees increased , primarily related to consulting costs .
these increases were partially offset by lower net provisions for litigation and regulatory proceedings , and lower occupancy expenses ( primarily related to exit costs in 2016 ) .
54 goldman sachs 2018 form 10-k .

Question: what is the growth rate in operating expenses in 2018?
Answer: 12.0%