It is common to compare different banks and rank them based on certain features or offerings such as bonuses, commissions, management fees, bank card availability, overseas withdrawals, foreign currency cash withdrawals and so on. It is also interesting to take an outside perspective and see how the world's largest banks relate to each other. In 2025, the global banking system continues to be reshaped by economic, technological and geopolitical factors. S&P Global Market Intelligence, part of Standard & Poor's, traditionally publishes an annual Global Banking Rankings report that ranks the world's largest banks by their total assets. Let's take a look together and decide who is the market leader after all.
Rating of the largest banks: How is it formed?
A ranking of the largest banks is a structured list based on financial performance, assets and other economic indicators that reflects the position of banks in the market. It helps clients, investors and analysts to assess the reliability and competitiveness of banks, facilitating informed decision-making and stimulating the development of the financial sector. The ranking of the largest banks is based on total assets, which include:
- Financial capital: Bank's own funds, investors' assets;
- Interbank loans: Loans between financial institutions;
- Assets derived from bond issuance: Funds raised through debt securities.
- Property: Real estate, equipment and other assets of the bank.
Parameters such as global presence, financial stability, loan volume and technological adaptation are also considered.
Best of the best: Top largest banks in the world in 2025
It's worth noting that not much has changed in this year's top 10 of the world's largest banks. China dominates the sector, as as many as four of the largest Chinese banks are in the golden top ten. They are Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Bank of China Ltd. The United States retained its two largest banks in the ranking, with JPMorgan Chase & Co in fifth place and Bank of America sixth. And France retained two of its banks in the top 10, with BNP Paribas in eighth place and Crédit Agricole remaining in tenth place, while in Japan, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is in ninth place and HSBC Holding PLC strengthened its position to seventh.
Here's the full list of the top 10 banks of 2025:
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC);
- Agricultural Bank of China;
- China Construction Bank;
- Bank of China;
- JPMorgan Chase & Co;
- Bank of America;
- HSBC Holding PLC;
- BNP Paribas;
- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group;
- Crédit Agricole.
These banks continue to dominate the global financial sector despite economic crises, changes in monetary policy and rising interest rates. They are successfully adapting to new challenges by introducing innovative technologies and expanding the range of financial services. Thanks to strategic planning and support from governments, they remain stable and continue to build assets even in the face of today's uncertainty.
China is back in the lead: Why do Chinese banks continue to dominate?
China's Big Four maintain their dominance in the global financial sector, even despite changes in the country's economic policies and global challenges. Despite the challenges of slowing economic growth and changing investment policies, China's banking system remains resilient and continues to expand its influence in the global market. Let's take a look at the main reasons for the leadership of Chinese banks:
- Government support: The Chinese government actively regulates the banking sector and ensures its financial stability;
- Large-scale domestic market: High level of lending and financing of infrastructure projects;
- Technological Transformation: Chinese banks are actively adopting digital technology, artificial intelligence and automation.
US and Europe: What challenges do banks face?
It is worth considering that economic instability and changing global financial flows are leading to increased competition among the world's largest banks. And increased regulation and tighter monetary policy require financial institutions to be flexible and adaptable. U.S. and European banks continue to compete with Chinese financial giants, but face a number of challenges, such as:
- Changing interest rates have led to complexities in credit policy;
- Increased regulation has increased the burden on financial institutions;
- Competition from digital banks requires accelerated modernisation of traditional banking services.
Despite this, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Bank of America continue to grow their assets, while BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole remain key players in the European financial sector.
How is digital technology changing the banking sector?
The major banks are actively investing in digital solutions to meet the current market demands. They are implementing artificial intelligence to automate customer service and analyse risk, and using blockchain to increase transaction transparency. Such technologies not only reduce transaction costs, but also increase customer trust in financial institutions. In 2025, technology has become a key driver of bank competitiveness. Among the key innovations:
- Blockchain: Increasing transaction transparency and fraud protection;
- Artificial intelligence: Automating customer service and financial risk management;
- Fintech startups: Create competition to traditional banks, forcing them to adapt to new realities.
US in decline: Impact of the 2023 crisis
The year 2023 was a watershed year for the US banking system. The collapse of several regional banks, including Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank and Silvergate, led to a crisis of confidence and a drop in the stock prices of the largest banks. But SVB, which specialised in financing start-ups, could not withstand the sharp rise in interest rates. Massive deposit withdrawals led to its bankruptcy, which caused a domino effect in the US banking sector. Signature Bank and Silvergate suffered from the collapse of the cryptocurrency market, which led to their closure. Despite urgent measures by the Fed and the US government, the crisis has impacted international financial markets and accelerated the regulatory processes of the banking sector.
Conclusion: Who will remain the leader in the coming years?
The world's top ten banks remain stable in 2025, but we can expect changes in the coming years. China's Big Four continue to dominate, thanks to government support and innovation. US banks maintain a strong position but face new challenges, while European banks maintain their position but their growth is limited by heavy regulation. Technology is becoming the main driver of banking sector development and the financial industry continues to transform, and new changes in the global banking ranking can be expected in the coming years. However, those banks that adapt faster to the digital age and innovate will remain leaders.
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