Four Chinese banks are now in the global top 10, with Industrial Commercial Bank of China making significant headway by moving into third position, pushing HSBC out of the top three.
Asia-Pacific
Japan maintains steady momentum
July 2, 2012The earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster that hit Japan in 2011 does not seem to have affected its banks too dramatically, though its largest lender has been passed by two Chinese banks in the overall Top 1000 ranking.
Australian banks lead 'rest of Asia-Pacific' ranking
July 2, 2012When the Asian behemoths of China and Japan are removed form the Asia-Pacific ranking, Australia's 'big four' banks come to the fore, though Singapore and South Korea also feature prominently.
Europe ready for arrival of the renminbi
July 2, 2012As the Chinese authorities lift restrictions and open up the renminbi market stage by stage, the significance of what is unfolding has not gone unrecognised in Europe, and, according to a recent survey by The Banker, it is not only those already doing business with the country that are interested in the renminbi's development. As London takes steps to establish itself as an offshore renminbi financial centre, many are anxious to take advantage of the opportunities soon to be available.
Eastern presence keeps growing
July 2, 2012The Banker's Top 1000 new entrants list is dominated by Asia-Pacific-based institutions, with the largest new entrant coming from South Korea and 13 Chinese institutions entering the rankings.
Top 1000 World Banks 2012
July 2, 2012While European banks count the cost of the eurozone sovereign debt crisis, China is leading the emerging markets into a new era of banking dominance. But the established markets of the US and Japan should not be forgotten.
Embattled Afghan lenders prove resilient
June 1, 2012The loans scandal at Kabul Bank, which led to its collapse in 2010, hit not only Afghanistan's already fragile financial sector but also the country's political stability. But as those held responsible for the fraud have been brought to justice and more stringent legislation is put in place, the confidence of international backers is beginning to return.
Asia weighs euro impact as global economy rebalances
June 1, 2012Delegates at the annual Asian Development Bank meeting in Manila had their attention firmly focused upon another continent – Europe – and what the economic problems in the region may pose for its trade and financial activity in Asia.
ING opens the door for Japan's Pro-Bond market
June 1, 2012The Japanese Pro-Bond market, which was created in 2011, allows foreign issuers an easier route to Japan’s ample liquidity than through the traditional Samurai market. However, it needed a ground-breaking deal, and Dutch bank ING obliged.
China drives base metal growth
June 1, 2012The metals brokerage market is consolidating as regulatory costs rise, but the growth of Asian demand means this is still a valuable business for those with the right scale and organisation.