It has been another turbulent year for the global economy and the banking sector. How is the health of the sector looking as we enter the next economic phase?
Top banking stories
CommBank tops Asia-Pacific table
In the Asia-Pacific excluding China and Japan table, Australia has enjoyed another successful year, with South Korea also making a strong appearance.
China’s big four remain at top of ranking
There is little change at the top of the Top 1000 World Banks ranking, as Chinese megalenders keep a tight grip on the top four places.
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Latest
- ESG regulations – Navigating a fractious world Ch 2/4
- The phase-out of Covid-19 business support measures – Navigating a fractious world Ch 3/4
- Chasing opportunities across borders – Navigating a fractious world Ch 4/4
- Unique needs - Reimagining private banking Ch 1/4
- Three pillars - Reimagining private banking Ch 2/4
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More stories

Brazil’s economy improving despite strong headwinds
Brazil’s economy has performed better than expected in the first few months of the year. However, it faces strong headwinds with regards inflation and political uncertainty.

Lebanon’s economic crisis drags on
Despite banking reforms, an end to the country’s economic trauma remains a distant prospect.

Germany's economic outlook darkens
The country’s economy is proving resilient but rising inflation, high energy prices and supply chain disruptions could spark a recession.

Brazil's open banking, digital currency and ESG agenda
The strength of Brazil’s banks indicates that they will be able to stay the course as they navigate regulatory reforms and the emergence of new competitors.

India outlines payments modernisation roadmap
The biggest challenge emerging from RBI’s Payments Vision 2025 is the push to facilitate domestic processing of payments transactions, as well as the move to ISO 20022 standards.
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Corporate Statement
Cross-border payments have given small businesses a booster shot during the pandemic. Let’s top it up
To get a better sense of the shift in businesses’ attitudes and behaviours as we emerge from the pandemic, as well as payment pain points, Mastercard surveyed leaders of over 3,000 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the world for the Mastercard Borderless Payments Report 2022.


Itaú’s strategy on digital payments and open banking
The scope of Brazilian open finance is broader than other markets, according to Itaú Unibanco's group head of investor relations and marketing intelligence.

UK regulator slows down branch closures
Banks and building societies in the UK will be required to assess the impact of changes to their services such as shorter branch opening times and the shuttering of branches.

Bundesbank believes German banks will ride out the storm
The ability of Germany’s banks to stand firm against strong economic and geopolitical headwinds is a concern, but they should be able to cope.
Top picks

Quantum: here, there and everywhere
In a world driven by a quantum hype, many banks are now investigating whether the promised increased processing power of quantum computing could address problems that currently are too complicated to be solved.

Banks' experiments in the metaverse
Banks have begun to take tentative steps into the metaverse, exploring how they can bring their services to this fully-digital channel. With questions around the use of cryptocurrencies and the form regulation may take, there is still some way to go before banks are offering a full metaverse experience.

Top 500 Banking Brands 2022
While the past two years of operating under pandemic conditions have taken their toll on businesses and the global economy, the world’s biggest banking brands have managed to increase their value. Liz Lumley reports.

Finance Minister of the Year 2022
The Banker's Finance Minister of the Year 2021 awards celebrate the officials that have best managed to stimulate growth and stabilise their economy.

Central Banker of the Year 2022
The Banker's Central Banker of the Year 2021 awards celebrate the officials that have best managed to stimulate growth and stabilise their economy.
Top 1000 World Banks 2022
The Banker’s Joy Macknight and Marie Kemplay discuss the key global themes and trends in this year’s Top 1000 World Banks.
Bonus *Money 2020* episode: Glittering Halls of Cutting Edge
Many are attracted to the glittering halls of cutting edge technology – whether that be quantum computing, Web3 or the varied siren calls coming from the depths of the metaverse. Banks are no exception.
Shows like Money 2020 showcase those ‘glittering halls’ promise a future of seamless, friction-free payments and banking. But what does it really mean? How long does it take for a stage worthy tech trend to make its way into financial services and start improving customers' loves – if it makes that journey at all?
Databank
Progress stalls on breaking glass ceiling in UK finance
The percentage of women in senior management in the UK’s financial services industry has flatlined in 2021 among signatories to the Women in Finance Charter.
Top 1000 World Banks 2022 - Press releases
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Reg Rage
Golden chance to globalise ESG
A series of consultations and the recent setting up of the ISSB is fostering optimism among bankers that the world may eventually coalesce around global ESG standards.