The rise of China and decline of the eurozone are two themes that continue to dominate the top end of the Top 1000. But some equally significant changes are taking place further down the rankings.
A new entrants list of two halves
July 1, 2013Organic growth from developing markets in Latin America and Asia and mergers of conversions in the developed world provide the stories behind the majority of new entrants in the 2013 Top 1000 World Banks ranking.
Emerging market risks rising
July 1, 2013Risk weightings on assets have increased for many emerging-market regions, but the very low level of risk-weighted assets in Europe looks disconnected from the deteriorating asset quality in the region.
Developing world enjoys best return on assets
July 1, 2013It comes as little surprise to see emerging economies such as Kenya and Indonesia leading return-on-asset rankings, though China's relatively low scores may raise a few eyebrows.
China dominates net interest rankings
July 1, 2013China's banking dominance has extended into the net interest income rankings, though the trading income tables have a more old-world feel to them.
Western Europe's state of inertia
July 1, 2013Little has changed among the leading western European banks over the course of the past year, despite the best efforts of the region's authorities.
South Africans slump while the rest of Africa rises
July 1, 2013South Africa's lenders still dominate Africa's banking landscape, but their sluggish 2012 means that the rest are making up ground.
Asian growth comes from all quarters
July 1, 2013On first glance, the Asia-Pacific top 25 excluding China and Japan has a familiar look to it, with Australian banks dominating. However, closer examination shows growth stories from across the whole region.
China: four giants and number one in the world
July 1, 2013Home to the largest bank in the world by Tier 1 capital – Industrial and Commercial Bank of China – and three other members of the top 10, China's dominance at the top of the global banking scene is now there for all to see.
Japan's banks slide as China marches on
July 1, 2013The sluggish growth that has existed in Japan's banking sector in recent years shows little sign of ending.
Middle East banks continue to take small steps forward
July 1, 2013Slow but steady growth seems to be the order of the day for banks in the Middle East, with most countries in the region having something to cheer.
Measures of soundness inch upwards
July 1, 2013Soundness levels among the world's banks are showing a slight sign of improvement, though familiar names still feature at the top of the rankings.
A new entrants list of two halves
July 1, 2013Organic growth from developing markets in Latin America and Asia and mergers of conversions in the developed world provide the stories behind the majority of new entrants in the 2013 Top 1000 World Banks ranking.
Emerging markets take profits crown
July 1, 2013Banks from the emerging markets in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region dominate this year’s most profitable banks, leaving European banks with only two countries in the top 25 ranking.
Asia-Pacific dominates global stage
July 1, 2013The Asia-Pacific region retains its global dominance, with the most banks in the Top 1000 and the biggest share of Tier 1 capital.
Developing countries top for efficiency
July 1, 2013Emerging markets are coming up trumps in terms of bank cost-to-income ratios, with Africa the top ranking region and Qatar the top ranking country.
Brazil's big four maintain Latin American dominance
July 1, 2013Although Brazil's largest four banks remain well clear of the pack in Latin America, there were promising developments in Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela in 2012.
Highest Movers table shows story after China
July 1, 2013The Highest Movers table of the Top 1000 has had a distinctly Chinese feel to it in recent years, but 2013's ranking shows rapid growth among financial institutions the world over, including in Europe's crisis economies.
Leading positions change in North America rankings
July 1, 2013There is a new largest bank in North America, with Bank of America losing ground to JPMorgan.
Russia leads CEE capital surge
July 1, 2013The Tier 1 capital of the 25 largest central and eastern European banks climbed by 30% in this year's ranking, led by Russia's largest bank Sberbank. Meanwhile, consumer banking operations across the region are prominent among the most profitable and the fastest growing banks in the region.
NPL woes continue for European lenders
July 1, 2013Asset quality in Greece deteriorated sharply, while remaining weak in Spain, Ireland and Slovenia. By contrast, non-performing loans are falling steadily in the US.