For the first time since the aftermath of global financial crisis, the aggregate value of The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands ranking has contracted, albeit by just over 2%. However, this is quite a reversal in fortune compared with the double-digit growth seen in recent years.
This result can be mainly attributed to bearish analyst sentiment regarding the global economy, according to David Haigh, CEO of consultant Brand Finance, which conducts the research for the ranking. A key element in the brand valuation (see Methodology) is earnings projections – and bank analysts have been consistently making downward revisions to estimates. “The fundamental numbers that our evaluations are based on have been declining; however, our research shows that people trust banks, unlike following the financial crisis,” says Mr Haigh.