It was a mixed picture for European banks’ capital positions in 2021, with almost every lender in the top 10 table for central and eastern Europe seeing a rise in their Tier 1 capital, yet the opposite was true for western Europe.

France’s largest banks are well positioned to absorb the blows from risks stemming from exposure to Russia, after rebounding from the Covid-19 pandemic in impressive fashion.

Germany’s biggest lenders have remained stable during the past few years, but one of the major issues the country’s banks face is increased competition from peers in the eurozone.

Italian lenders are on track for a good recovery after being hit hard by Covid-19, but they still face several risks. 

A rapid economic recovery has given a boost to Poland’s banks, but a slowdown from high inflation is on the way, driving up the cost of risk for banks. 

Spain’s banking sector is on a steady course in its recovery, but improving profitability is the biggest challenge facing Spanish lenders.

The country’s banks have coped well during the pandemic, but big challenges still lie ahead.

The UK banking sector had a strong year in 2021, as the economy rebounded with impressive growth. Burhan Khadbai reports.

In the Asia-Pacific excluding China and Japan table, Australia has enjoyed another successful year, with South Korea also making a strong appearance. 

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.

After a difficult year in the 2021 Top 1000 ranking, many Indonesian banks have improved their positions in 2022.

Japan’s banks have struggled during the past year, with declines in Tier 1 capital seeing them slide down the 2022 ranking.

The emerging digital banking sector in South Korea, led by KakaoBank, is racing ahead of the incumbents.

Taiwan’s banks, backed by the country’s solid GDP results, have maintained their overall positions in the Top 1000 ranking. 

Brazilian banks top the regional table once again, led by Itaú Unibanco.

Canada’s biggest bank has topped the table in profitability and overall performance.

The Colombian banking sector outperformed analysts' expectations in 2021, with improved profitability and higher Tier 1 capital. 

Mexico's banks have proved their resiliency, improving asset quality and profitability metrics. 

Following a profit squeeze last year, the US banks benefitted from a more resilient economy than expected.

Saudi’s new megabank has displaced Qatar National Bank at the top of this year’s regional table.

Saudi lenders continue to advance thanks to economic improvements and government housing initiatives. 

African lenders regained ground in 2022’s rankings, even as challenges mount in key markets.

Zenith Bank held off strong gains by Access Bank to retain its position as Nigeria’s top lender.