For the first time since 2012, the Asia-Pacific region has not generated the majority of global profits in the Top 100 World Bank rankings. The region’s share has fallen to 48.3% in the 2016 rankings.
North America, the Middle East, Africa and western Europe have all slightly expanded their share of profits. Central and eastern Europe’s (CEE’s) portion shrank by more than half and Latin America and the Caribbean’s share also fell, mainly as a result of a strong US dollar and deteriorating domestic economic and political conditions in many countries.
China has remained the largest single banking market by Tier 1 capital for the second year in a row, increasing its aggregate Tier 1 by 12.4%; in addition its asset base expanded by 8.4%. The US has taken second place, with Tier 1 capital increasing by 4.6%, compared with a 0.5% rise in assets.
While the eurozone has remained in third place, it continues to lose ground to the leaders. Overall the region saw a 3.6% reduction in Tier 1 capital and a 9.1% drop in assets. However, its pre-tax profits went up by 53.3%. Japan also added to aggregate Tier 1 capital, increased assets and nearly doubled its pre-tax profits.
