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. .
what is the growth rate in operating expenses in 2018?
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 .