The Bank of the Year winners from central and eastern Europe.

The Bank of the Year winners from western Europe.

The Bank of the Year winners from the Middle East.

The Bank of the Year winners from the Americas.

The Bank of the Year winners from Asia-Pacific.

The Bank of the Year winners from Africa.

The regional disparity when it comes the fortunes of the financial markets has been as stark as ever throughout 2012, from the continued malaise in Europe to further growth in Asia and Latin America. Yet throughout all of the world’s continents, there have been some stellar performances, the most impressive of which are saluted here.

This year has brought with it even more uncertainty for banks, with stagnating growth and increased regulation. The Banker’s 13th Bank of the Year Awards celebrates the banks that have taken on these challenges, using them as an opportunity to re-evaluate and innovate.

The Banker’s panel of judges celebrates the best banks in 147 different countries based on their performances over the past year.

With the eurozone seemingly teetering on the edge of an abyss and the US unable to reignite its dormant economy, it is tempting to think that there is no good news to be found in the banking world. However, yet again The Banker’s Bank of the Year awards show that beyond the negative headlines and protests lies an industry that is still innovating, still growing, and still generating money all around the world.