The return-on-assets ratio reveals how efficiently assets are being used to make a profit, and so is closely watched by bank management. This year’s winner is Mexico’s Banco Compartamos.

Western Europe continues to suffer from bad loans, with Greece and Cyprus among the worst affected. Meanwhile, Iran suffered the lowest capital ratio result and Japan’s capital adequacy is deteriorating.

Loan-to-deposit ratios are generally on a downward trend, apart from in Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East, with most of the world’s biggest banks in the 75% to 100% bracket.

While in general the Top 1000 banks present a better picture with regards to capital adequacy, western Europe is lagging the trend. Joy Macknight reports.

While the domestic performance of Japan’s banks has been generally positive, the global ranking sees more of them losing ground or remaining static rather than improving on last year’s positions. Stefania Palma reports.

The US has knocked China off top slot in the highest movers league, despite having the same number of banks in the ranking as last year. Meanwhile, Russian banks have made an impressive return to the top 25, after several years’ absence. Joy Macknight reports.

After four years at the top of the trading income table, Goldman Sachs has been relegated to second place, as JPMorgan posts a 12% increase. Joy Macknight reports.

Banks new to the Top 1000 hail from a greater variety of regions this year, with the US leading the pack. Meanwhile, Chinese and Russian banks lead the chase back into the rankings. James King reports.

South Africa and Angola endure despite low commodity prices, but currency problems hit Nigeria. James King reports.