The traditionally dominant international financial centres are struggling to cope with a glut of post-crisis regulation, giving smaller, newer jurisdictions an opportunity to steal a march on them. The Banker's survey shows that the traditional powerhouses still hold the top spots, but their grip is not as firm as it once was.
Paraguay: an emerging opportunity not to be missed
September 1, 2011Paraguay is being as careful with its economic resources as it has been with its natural resources. Professionals from the public and private sector discuss the advantages of this prudent strategy and the potential for further growth in the country.
Unlocking Brazil's entrepreneurial spirit
September 1, 2011Brazil may be the world’s seventh largest economy in terms of gross domestic product, but its legislation and taxation policies, not to mention its infrastructure, still needs a lot of work if the country is to realise its full potential.
Top three Caricom banks cement their lead
August 1, 2011Caribbean economies are still feeling the shockwaves from the global financial crisis and last year's earthquake in Haiti, but the region has shown its resilience, with plenty of bright spots in this year's ranking of the region's top 20 banks.
Is political posturing preventing Argentina from realising its potential?
June 30, 2011Argentina has an abundance of natural resources, its industrial sector performs impressively, and it boasts a highly qualified workforce. Despite this, many foreign investors are steering clear of the country.
Merged Spanish cajas rise up new arrivals table
June 30, 2011The recent bout of consolidation among Spain's savings banks has made its mark on The Banker's new arrivals table, while the US and China are again well represented in the ranking.
Brazil maintains Latin American dominance
June 30, 2011Latin America's banking landscape is once again headed by Brazilian lenders, who occupy the top five positions in the Top 25 Latin American banks ranking.
Emerging markets dominate profits ranking
June 30, 2011Asia-Pacific and Latin America have increased their profit share at the expense of western Europe.
Shift in UK and Spanish banking landscapes
June 30, 2011Despite some concerns over the impact of regulation on profit, the big banks in western Europe have mostly held their ground in this year's Top 1000 World Banks ranking. However, the aftermath of the financial crisis has seen changes in the UK and Spanish banking sectors.
No change among North America's banking giants
June 30, 2011The top seven banks in North America stayed in the same positions in the regional top 25 ranking of this year's Top 1000, as the financial institutions of the US continued to focus on demonstrating their strength instead of their profitability.