The 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.

When 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.

As 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.

Brazilian banks still dominate the top four positions in The Banker's Latin American ranking, but Colombia's lenders have made significant headway, with three of the country's banks moving up the top 20 Latin America ranking, including Banco de Bogotá, which climbed five places to fifth.

Central and eastern Europe experienced Tier 1 capital falls across the board this year, but Russia's banks predictably dominate the top tier of firms and also witnessed a rise in new players in the regional top table.

The 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.

The eurozone crisis has made its presence felt with regards to western European banks' performances in the Top 1000 ranking, with their share of overall profits down from 46% in 2007 to just 6.3% this year.

While the charge of the Chinese banks grabs the headlines, the big names from the US still lead The Banker's Top 1000 ranking as well as dominating the North American list.

As the Middle East increases its representation in the Top 1000 World Bank ranking after a drop in 2011, it is the the Gulf banks that are leading the revival.

Almost every region has recorded a fall in risk-weighted assets, but the soaring impairments in Europe raise questions about how rigorous the Basel methodology really is.