Top 10 Best Banks In The World: Global Rankings, Services & How To Access Them

The world's largest bank holds more than $6.6 trillion in assets—roughly the size of Japan's entire economy. That single institution, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, tops a list dominated by Chinese and American financial giants that collectively manage tens of trillions of dollars.

This guide ranks the top 10 banks globally by total assets, compares them by market capitalization, and explains how international clients can actually access these institutions for banking relationships abroad.

How Global Banks Are Ranked

The term "best bank" means different things depending on what you're measuring. Financial publications typically rank banks using three main metrics: total assets, market capitalization, and customer satisfaction. A bank can top one list while barely making another.

• Total assets: Everything a bank owns—loans, investments, cash reserves, and property combined into one figure
• Market capitalization: The total value of a bank's shares on the stock market, reflecting what investors think the bank is worth
• Customer satisfaction: Survey-based ratings measuring how well a bank serves its clients

Most global rankings prioritize total assets because this number shows a bank's overall financial footprint. Yet market cap often paints a different picture—one that reflects growth potential and investor confidence rather than sheer size.

10 Biggest Banks in the World by Total Assets

Chinese and American banks dominate the global rankings. Four of the top five spots belong to Chinese state-owned institutions, while American banks hold strong positions throughout the list.

10. BNP Paribas

France's largest bank operates in over 65 countries. BNP Paribas has carved out a specialty in corporate banking and trade finance, making it a go-to institution for businesses expanding into European markets.

9. Citigroup

Among American banks, Citigroup stands out for its international reach. With operations in more than 100 countries, it handles cross-border transactions for multinational corporations and individuals who move money across jurisdictions regularly.

8. HSBC

HSBC is headquartered in London but traces its roots to Hong Kong. This dual identity gives the bank a unique position bridging Asian and Western financial markets. Multi-currency accounts and international wire services are particular strengths.

7. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo focuses primarily on the American domestic market. It operates one of the largest branch networks in the United States, though it lacks the international presence of competitors like Citigroup or HSBC.

6. Bank of China

One of China's "Big Four" state-owned banks, Bank of China facilitates much of the trade flowing between China and the rest of the world. International businesses dealing with Chinese suppliers or customers often maintain accounts here.

5. Bank of America

Bank of America combines retail banking with wealth management and corporate services. It consistently ranks among the top banks globally by both assets and market cap, making it one of the most balanced performers on this list.

4. China Construction Bank

Originally created to finance infrastructure projects, China Construction Bank has evolved into a full-service institution. Large-scale project financing remains a specialty, attracting clients involved in major development initiatives.

3. Agricultural Bank of China

The name suggests a rural focus, but Agricultural Bank of China now ranks among the world's largest financial institutions. It operates the most extensive branch network in China, serving hundreds of millions of customers across the country.

2. JPMorgan Chase

America's largest bank leads in investment banking and capital markets. JPMorgan Chase combines commercial banking strength with premier wealth management, making it a preferred institution for high-net-worth individuals and major corporations alike.

1. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

ICBC holds the title of the world's largest bank by total assets. The bank serves over 700 million customers and has expanded internationally through acquisitions in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Largest Banks in the World by Market Capitalization

Market cap rankings tell a different story than asset-based lists. American banks often lead when measured by market value, even though Chinese banks dominate by total assets.

1. JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan typically leads global banks in market capitalization by a wide margin. Diversified revenue streams and consistent profitability keep investor confidence high.

2. Bank of America

Ranking second by market value, Bank of America benefits from its position in the world's largest economy. Retail, commercial, and investment banking divisions each contribute to the overall valuation.

3. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

Despite being the biggest bank by assets, ICBC ranks lower by market cap. This gap shows how asset size and market valuation don't always move together—a distinction worth noting when evaluating banking partners.

4. Agricultural Bank of China

China's economic growth supports strong market positions for its major banks. Agricultural Bank of China benefits from both domestic expansion and increasing international recognition.

5. HSBC Holdings

HSBC's market position reflects its role connecting Asian and Western financial systems. Recent restructuring has aimed at strengthening this core advantage.

Top Banks Worldwide by Region

Where a bank is headquartered affects its expertise, regulatory environment, and the services it offers international clients.

Major Banks in Asia

China dominates Asian banking with four institutions in the global top 10. Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Singapore's DBS also maintain significant international operations. Asia's growing economic influence continues reshaping global banking hierarchies.

Major Banks in North America

The United States is home to the four biggest American banks: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup. Canada's major institutions—Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank, and Bank of Montreal—also rank among the world's largest.

Major Banks in Europe

European banking centers in London, Paris, Zurich, and Frankfurt host several banks with strong international client services. HSBC, BNP Paribas, and UBS have historically attracted clients seeking multi-currency capabilities and cross-border expertise.

Top 50 Banks in the World

Beyond the top 10, dozens of major institutions offer services for international clients. Smaller global banks often provide more personalized attention while still maintaining substantial resources.

Notable banks ranking 11-50 include:

• Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group: Japan's largest bank with extensive Asian network
• Crédit Agricole: French cooperative bank with global corporate services
• Barclays: British multinational strong in investment banking
• Deutsche Bank: Germany's largest bank with European market expertise
• Santander: Spanish giant with dominant Latin American presence
• UBS: Swiss wealth management leader known for privacy and stability

For clients seeking to diversify internationally, the jurisdiction where a bank operates matters as much as its size. A mid-sized bank in a country with strong asset protection laws may serve your interests better than a top-10 giant in a high-litigation environment.

What Services Do Major World Banks Offer

Global banks provide far more than checking and savings accounts. The services available depend on your account type and relationship level.

Private Banking and Wealth Management

Private banking divisions serve affluent clients with personalized portfolio management, estate planning, and dedicated relationship managers. Minimum thresholds typically start at $1 million, though premier tiers may require $10 million or more.

International Trade Finance

For business owners operating across borders, trade finance services facilitate smooth transactions. Letters of credit, documentary collections, and supply chain financing reduce risk when dealing with international suppliers and customers.

Multi-Currency Accounts

Multi-currency accounts allow you to hold funds in several currencies at once, reducing conversion costs and hedging against exchange rate swings. This proves particularly valuable for those with income or expenses in multiple countries.

Corporate and Investment Banking

Business clients access commercial lending, treasury management, and capital markets services. Larger banks can facilitate everything from working capital loans to public offerings, depending on your company's scale.

How to Open an Account with Global Banks as a Non-Resident

Many major banks accept non-resident clients, though the process involves more documentation and often higher minimum deposits than domestic accounts.

1. Identify Banks with International Client Programs

Not every bank welcomes non-resident account holders. Swiss, Singapore, and certain Caribbean banks have traditionally been more accommodating to international clients.

2. Gather Required Documentation

Prepare comprehensive documentation including:

• Valid passport with at least six months remaining
• Proof of residential address (utility bills, bank statements)
• Source of funds documentation explaining how you acquired your wealth
• Tax identification numbers from your country of residence
• Professional or bank references

Incomplete documentation is the most common reason for application delays.

3. Meet Minimum Deposit Thresholds

Major banks often require substantial initial deposits for non-resident accounts—sometimes $100,000 or more. Private banking divisions may set thresholds at $1 million or higher.

4. Partner with an International Specialist

Working with consultants who have established relationships with global banks can streamline the process. At Offshore Protection, we've helped clients navigate international banking since 1996, connecting them with institutions across more than 40 countries.

Looking to establish international banking relationships? Our team can guide you through the process.

Book a Consultation →

Protect Your Assets with Strategic Global Banking

Knowing which banks rank largest is a starting point. For entrepreneurs and investors seeking to diversify internationally, the right banking structure depends on your specific goals—whether that's asset protection, business expansion, or building a Plan B.

Banking relationships work best as part of a broader international strategy. Combining the right accounts with structures like Offshore Trust Formation or Offshore Foundation Formation creates layers of protection that no single element provides alone.

At Offshore Protection, we've spent over 25 years helping investors and entrepreneurs build international structures across more than 40 countries.

Book a Consultation to discuss how global banking fits into your international diversification strategy.

FAQs About the Largest Banks in the World

Which bank is the richest bank in the world?

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) holds the title of the world's largest bank by total assets. JPMorgan Chase typically leads by market capitalization. Which one qualifies as "richest" depends on which metric you prioritize.

What are the four biggest banks in the United States?

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup make up the "Big Four" American banks. Together they hold trillions in assets and dominate the U.S. banking landscape.

Can non-residents open accounts at major global banks?

Yes, many banks offer accounts to non-residents. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but expect enhanced documentation, higher minimum deposits, and longer processing times compared to domestic applications.

Which global banks offer offshore banking services?

HSBC, Citigroup, and several Swiss and Singapore-based institutions offer offshore banking services. Services typically include multi-currency accounts, international wire capabilities, and cross-border wealth management.

How do worldwide banks compare for asset protection purposes?

Banks in jurisdictions with strong privacy laws and favorable asset protection regulations—such as Switzerland, Singapore, and certain Caribbean nations—often provide better protection than banks in high-litigation countries. However, banking alone rarely provides complete asset protection. Combining accounts with trusts or foundations typically offers stronger security.