First Abu Dhabi Bank, formed by the merger between the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank, has made history as the first Emirati bank to top The Banker’s Top 100 Arab Banks ranking. Elsewhere, Morocco and Lebanon continue to impress. James King reports.
Western European institutions have seen a distinct improvement on their poor 2017 figures, with most top banks increasing their capitalisation. HSBC remains local leader but has ceded a place on the global ranking. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Russian banks dominate the central and eastern Europe rankings, taking the top places for Tier 1 capital, profitability and highest mover. However others experienced bailouts and nationalisations that pushed them down or out of the list, as Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Financial difficulties at some of Russia’s largest institutions and a contracting banking sector have led The Banker to shorten its ranking of the country's banks from 100 to 50. However, there have been some positive developments, such as an increase in capitalisation. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
China’s lenders have the largest slice of the Top 300 Asia-Pacific Banks ranking, while privately owned Indian banks and south-east Asian lenders show impressive Tier 1 capital growth and profitability. Stefania Palma reports.
Though 2017's Top 100 Arab Banks ranking shows a slowdown in profitability and growth, the Middle East is doing relatively well. While no longer stellar, the new normal of lower oil prices sees banks enjoying solid performances and improved cost-to-income ratios. James King reports.
Currency depreciation took its toll in The Banker's Top Central and Eastern Europe EU Banks rankings, leading to mixed results. Polish banks maintained their lead, with notable success stories coming from Romania and Slovenia. Stefanie Linhardt reports.