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The 20 Richest Banks in the World

According to Forbes, we're seeing a nice trend in the strengthening of the Bull market, as America's banks are beginning to gain ground.

The reality is there is a resurgence in Wall street, and competition is getting stiffer in the global banking industry, China still retains the number one position with the largest corporations in the world.

Although the Chinese banks dominated last year, we're seeing a trend with a slowing economy and a 2016 fall in the profits for China's largest ten banks. U.S. lenders had the perfect opportunity to pick up market share with confidence in the Chinese economy being somewhat challenged.

Market capitalization is the stock market value, or the value of the shares issued within a company that is publicly traded. The market cap is determined by multiplying the share price by the number of outstanding shares. China is still in the front, but the US markets are making steady progress.

These are the 20 richest banks in the world as valued by market cap.

20. Credit Agricole SA Market Cap (USD): $51.58 billion

Credit Agricole SA is the twentieth wealthiest bank in the world today based upon market capitalization. The institution provides banking and financial services.

It operates though the segments of French retail banking, International retail banking, specialized financial services, management and insurance, corporate center and corporate and investment banking.

The French retail banking division offers financial services including baking for small businesses, farmers, individual customers, insurance and in addition offers a variety of wealth management products.

The International retail banking division provides coverage of foreign subsidiaries and investments that have to do with retail banking. The savings management and insurance divisions provide asset servicing for institutions, asset management activities, personal insurance, life insurance, credit insurance activities, and property and casualty insurance.

Private banking activities are conducted for the most part by CA Indosuez Private banking and by Credit and by Agricole subsidiaries. The specialized financial services division offers consumer financing services as well as specialized financial services which include leasing and factoring.

The Specialized financial services division is the segment which handles all of the group subsidiaries which offer financial services and products to corporates, small businesses, individual customers and local authorities within the country of France and also those countries abroad.

19. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. Market cap: (USD). $54.244 billion

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. is the nineteenth wealthiest bank in the world. The institution is a Japanese bank holding and financial services company which has been established by the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

This corporation is the second largest bank in Japan as ranked by market value. The headquarters are located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded on December 2, 2002. Key people in charge of business are Koichi Miyata and Takeshi Kunibe.

Its subsidiaries include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and numerous other financial institutions and divisions throughout the country of Japan and abroad. The total assets as of 2015 were 9.753 trillion JPY.

18. Japanese Post Bank, Co., Ltd. Market cap: $55.42 billion USD

Japanese Post Bank, Co., Ltd. is a Japanese based company that engages mainly in the business of banking. The institution operates a banking business division.

It engages primarily in deposit business, securities investment business, lending business, exchange business, investment trust and counter sales of insurance products, government bonds, credit card business and intermediary business.

The main services of the bank include asset and liability management, financing and fee based business.

17. Lloyd's Banking Group Market cap: $64.036 billion USD

Lloyd's Banking group is a retail banking company. It is a major British financial institution which has been created through the acquisition of HBOS by Lloyds TSB. This process was completed in 2009.

The CEO of the institution is Antonio Horta Osorio, whom has been in the position since March 1 of 2011 and remains in the position currently. Lloyd's Banking Group headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom.

The revenue for 2016 was $39.61 billion in Great Britain Pounds. It currently employs 75,000 workers.

The subsidiaries of the institution include Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, BHOS and several others. The parent organizations of the group are Lloyd's Bank and ESOTERIX Inc.

16. Goldman Sachs Market cap: $87.63 billion USD

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. engages in global investment banking, investment management and securities. The institution provides a wide range of financial services and options for financial institutions, corporations, individuals and governments.

Goldman Sachs operates through a variety of business segments as follows: Investment Banking, Investing and Lending, Institutional client services and investment management.

The investment banking division maintains a focus on the provision of financial advisement services for both public sector and private sector clients throughout the world.

The institutional client services division offers facilitation services for clients in the arena of buy and sell financial products, risk management and fund-raising activities. International Investing and lending division deals with company's investing and relationship lending activities that covers a variety of asset classes.

The investment management division provided wealth advisor and investment services. The Goldman Sachs company was founded by Markus Goldman in 1869 and its headquarters are currently located in New York, New York.

15. BNP Paribas SA Market cap: $98.41 billion USD

BNP Paribas SA is a French banking institution that engages in the provision of financial and banking services. The bank operates through the retail banking and services and corporate and institutional banking business activities.

The retail banking and services business provides international and domestic markets financial services. The corporate and institutional banking business is comprised of global markets, corporate banking and securities services to customers.

The BNP Paribas SA company was founded on May 23 of 2000 and it maintains its headquarters in the city of Paris, France. It is the fifteenth wealthiest bank in the world as of 2017.

14. Banco Santander S.A. ADR Market cap: $106 billion USD

Banco Santander SA is an institution that engages in the provision of banking services for companies, individuals and institutions.

It operates throughout he following divisions: Retail banking, Real Estate operations in Spain and Global corporate banking. The retail banking division covers all levels of customers' banking business which includes private banking.

The Santander global corporate banking division involves the coverage of global corporate banking, investment banking and markets worldwide which includes all globally managed treasuries both distribution to customers and trading.

The real estate operations in Spain division is inclusive of dealing with the business of loans to customers in Spain, if the activity is mainly related to the development of real estate, equity stakes in real estate companies and foreclosed assets.

The Banco Santander SA ADR company was founded on March 21 of 1857 and its headquarters are located in Madrid, Spain.

13. Toronto-Dominion Bank Market cap: $123.99 billion

The Toronto-Dominion Bank engages in the provision of financial products and services. The TDB operates through the following divisions of business which include: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail and Wholesale Banking.

The Canadian Retail division provides a variety of financial products and services, as well as the provision of telephone, Internet, and mobile banking services to customers.

This division mainly offers financing, investment, cash management, international trade services, and day-to-day banking needs. These are offered to both medium and large Canadian businesses.

It also provides financing options to customers at point-of-sale transactions for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through the company's auto dealer network; credit cards; direct investing, the provision of advisement, and asset management services.

These are offered to both retail and institutional clients; and they include: home, auto, credit protection, travel, as well as life and health insurance products.

Additional offerings:

They also offer credit card balance protection products through direct channels. The United States retail division offers commercial and retail banking services and in addition, offers wealth management services within the country of the United States.

The segment also offers the institution's financial services and products which are provided through a network of retailers which have locations based along the east coast of the United States, which range from the States of Maine through Florida. These include mobile, telephone and internet banking as well as automated banking machines.

The Wholesale banking division offers a wide range of capital markets as well as investment banking and corporate banking services and products.

These comprise both underwriting and the distribution of new debt and equity issues, advisement on strategic acquisitions and divestitures, as well as meeting the daily funding, trading and investment requirements to institutions, governments and companies in financial markets throughout the world.

The Toronto-Dominion Banks has its headquarters located in Toronto, Canada and the institution was founded on February 1 of 1955.

12. Royal Bank of Canada Market cap: $134.35 billion

The Royal Bank of Canada is an institution that engages in the delivery of financial and banking solutions. It operates through the following divisions: Personal and commercial banking, Insurance, Wealth management, Investor and treasury services as well as capital markets.

The personal and commercial banking division provides services which include retail investment businesses and auto financing. The Wealth management division offers investment services, banking, trusts, credit and in addition to this, other types of wealth management solutions for customers.

The insurance division is mainly dedicated to the provision of a wide range of insurance products. These include: home, health, life, travel, auto, wealth and group as well as reinsurance products.

The investor and treasury services division provides services within institutional investing clients accomplished through custodial, advisory, asset servicing, financing and other services for the purpose of safeguarding assets, maximizing liquidity and managing risk. This segment also provides short term funding and the management of liquidity.

The Capital Markets division involves the provision of services within institutional investors, both public and private companies, government and central banks, which include both corporate and investment banking, debt origination and distribution, equity, as well as structuring and trading.

Royal Bank of Canada was founded in 1964 by Jeremiah Northup,George P. Mitchell, JohnTobin, William Cunard, James B. Duffus, T.C. Kinnear, Edward Kenny and J.W. Merkell. The headquarters are located in Toronto, Canada.

11. Citigroup Inc., also known as Citi Market cap: $187.94 billion

Citigroup Inc. is the eleventh wealthiest bank in the world today. Citi is an American, multi-national investment banking and financial services institution.

The headquarters are located in Manhattan, New York City, New York in the USA. The current CEO is Michael Corbat, who has held the post since October 16, 2011 to present. Subsidiaries of Citi include Citibank, Banaxex, Aeromexico and several other companies, too numerous to list here.

Citigroup is the fourth largest bank in the United States when ranked by its total assets which currently top $1,792 billion.

10. HBSC Holdings PLC ADR Market cap: $194.45 billion

HSBC Holdings, PLC ADR is the tenth wealthiest bank in the world as ranked by market cap. The institution engages in the offer for both banking and financial services for customers.

The company operates through several divisions which include: Retail banking and wealth management, commercial banking, global private banking, global banking and markets and corporate center.

The retail banking and wealth management division offers the management of finances, it works with customers in the activities necessary for the purchase of homes, saving money and making investments for the future.

The commercial banking division is inclusive of working capital, payment services, term loans and the facilitation of international trade.

The Global banking and markets division mainly engages in the provision of financial products and services to institutions, governments and companies. The HBSC company was founded on January 1 of 1959. The headquarters of the institution are located in London, England in the United Kingdom.

9. Bank of America Corporation Market cap: $245.97 billion

Bank of America Corporation is an American multi-national institution which offers banking and financial services to its' customers.

BOA is ranked as the second largest bank in the United States currently, as ranked by its assets, which as of September of 2017 are $2,187 billion.

The company is currently the ninth wealthiest bank in the world as rated by market cap as a value. It is known for its excellent response for the provision of customer service, technical support and credit card support.

Its subsidiaries are Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Merrill Edge and several other companies which fall under the umbrella of this parent company.

Bank of America offers eight different lines of businesses and their focus is on helping individuals to navigate through each stage of their financial business.

They work with companies of all sizes from large to small, in driving the economy in a forward direction. BOA has a reputation for providing ideas, insights and institutional investor research that landed in the category of award winning for outstanding quality.

The headquarters for this institution are located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Retail for people

The retail line is in the business of serving consumers in the United States with a complete range of financial services and products through their award winning digital banking capacities as well as a retail banking network.

The Preferred and Small business lines offer the provision of investment and banking solutions which are offered to United States banking and investment clients.

This also includes the management of cash as well as investment and lending solutions for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is dedicated to serving their clients through the assignment of personal advisor relationships that are designed to assist investors in the planning for, and the achievement of each client's unique financial goals through life. The US Trust line is set up to deliver customers with wealth management and private banking solutions.

8. Postal Savings Bank of China Market cap: $373.55 billion

Postal Savings Bank of China is a commercial retail bank. The institution offers the provision of basic financial services, which are aimed at small and medium sized business enterprises which are located in rural and low-income populations.

PSBC has spread throughout the country of China and currently has more than 40,000 different branches to provide access to customers throughout all regions of China.

The parent organization for this institution is China Post. Its' subsidiaries include PSBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., and numerous others. Postal Savings Bank of China was founded in 2007 and its' headquarters are located in China.

7. Bank of Communications Market cap: $818.60 billion

Bank of Communications, Limited was founded in 1908 and it is one of the largest banks in China as ranked by assets. It is the seventh wealthiest bank in the world as rated by market cap as of September 15 of 2017.

The Bank of Communications has a very long history in the country of China. It is one of the first banks in the modern history of the country to have issued bank notes.

The headquarters of this company are located in Shanghai, China. It employs more than 80,000 workers with the key person in charge being Jiang Chaoliang.

The parent organizations of the company are Central Huijin Investment taking the lead with others. Its' subsidiaries include Bank of Communications Hong Kong Branch as the principle, along with several others.

6. Bank of China Market cap: $1.41 trillion

Bank of China is a commercial bank and it is also one of the largest commercial banks in China which are state owned. The company was founded in 1912 by the Republican government for the purpose of replacing the Daquing Bank.

It is the oldest bank that is still in existence in mainland China. The headquarters are located in Beijing, China. Ke key person in charge of operations is the CEO Chen Siqing, who took the post on February 13 of 2014 and is presently occupying the position with the company.

As of 2016, the number of employees for Bank of China was at 310, 042. The Parent organization for this institution is Central Huijin Investment. The subsidiaries include a long list that is led by BOC International and Bank of China Insurance.

5. Wells Fargo & Company Market cap: $264.06 billion

Wells Fargo & Company is the fourth richest bank in the word as rated by market capitalization. It is an American international bank and financial services holding company.

The headquarters for the company is located in San Francisco, California. There are multiple "hubquarters" which are located at various locations through the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was Founded by William Fargo and Henry Wells.

It is the third largest bank within the United States as ranked by assets. Subsidiaries include Wells Fargo Advisors, Wachovia, and pages of other companies which fall under the umbrella of the parent company.

4. JP Morgan Chase & Co. Market cap: $332.76 billion

JP Morgan Chase & Co. is a United States multi-national financial services and banking company. Its headquarters are located in New York City, New York, USA.

It is the tenth largest banking institution in ranking according to assets. James Dimon is the CEO and Marianne Lake is the CFO. Subsidiaries of the companies include Chase Ban, J.P. Morgan & Co, and an extensive list of other subsidiary companies scattered throughout the United States as well as the globe.

It is the fourth most valuable bank as ranked by market capitalization.

3. Agricultural Bank of China, Limited Market cap: $1.20 trillion

Agricultural Bank of China Limited, is also known as Ag Bank. It is listed as one of the famous "Big Four Banks which are located in the People's Republic of China.

The bank was founded in 1951 and the headquarters are located in Dongchang District, in Beijing, China. The bank is owned by Central Huijin Investment.

The subsidiary companies of this bank include ABC International Holdings, and several other subsidiary branches and companies in numerous major cities throughout the world.

2. China Construction Bank Corporation Market cap: 1.52 trillion

China Construction Bank Corporation is the second most valuable bank in the world today by market capitalization. When determining ranked size, it is the sixth largest company in the word with regard to assets.

Its' headquarters are located in Beijing, China and the bank is owned by the Government of China. The bank was founded in Beijing in 1954. Subsidiaries include China Construction Bank of Brasil (Banco Multiplo), China Construction Bank, London and fourteen other subsidiaries.

1. ICBC -China Market cap: 1.94 trillion

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited is the wealthiest bank in the world according to market capitalization. It is also ranked as the largest bank in the world when rated by total assets.

ICBC is a multi-national banking company owned by Chine, with its' headquarters located in the Xicheng District, Beijing, China. Its subsidiaries include ICBC Turkey, PT Bank ICBC Indonesia and fourteen other subsidiaries. It's parent organization is Central Huijin Investment.

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Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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