Ever wondered which are the biggest banks in the world? These largest financial institutions hold trillions of dollars, drive economies, and shape your future—whether you’re saving for college or eyeing a banking career.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the top 10 biggest banks in the world of 2025, ranked by total assets and their worth. Let’s dive into the world of global banking powerhouses and see what makes them so massive!
Table of contents
- List of Top 13 Biggest Banks in the World
- Overview of Top Biggest Banks in the World
- Why Are These Banks So Large?
- Why Are the Biggest Banks in the World Important?
- Role of the Biggest Banks in the Global Economy
- Challenges Faced by the Worlds’ Biggest Banks
- The Future of the Biggest Banks in the World
- FAQs on Biggest Banks in the World
List of Top 13 Biggest Banks in the World
Here’s the countdown of the biggest banks in the world by total assets in 2025. These largest banking organizations are the ones to watch! These banks can be the best student bank account to open for study abroad. Check out the table below for a quick look at these financial giants.
| Names of the Biggest Banks in the World | Country | Approx. Total Assets |
| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) | China | USD 6.3 trillion |
| China Construction Bank (CCB) | China | USD 5.5 trillion |
| Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) | China | USD 4.8 trillion |
| Bank of China (BOC) | China | USD 4.5 trillion |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | United States | USD 3.6 trillion |
| Bank of America (BofA) | United States | USD 3.3 trillion |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group | Japan | USD 3.0 trillion |
| BNP Paribas | France | USD 2.8 trillion |
| Wells Fargo & Company | United States | USD 2.7 trillion |
| Crédit Agricole Group | France | USD 2.7 trillion |
| HSBC Holdings | United Kingdom | USD 2.6 trillion |
| Citigroup Inc. | United States | USD 2.4 trillion |
Also Read: Best Banks in India for Inward Remittance: List of Top Banks
Overview of Top Biggest Banks in the World
The biggest banks in the world listed above show a mix of powerhouses from China, the US, Japan, and the UK. China dominates with four of the top five such as ICBC, CCB, ABC, and BOC, because of its massive economy and state-backed banking.
The US follows with four leading financial institutions such as JPMorgan, BofA, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup. They are known for innovation and global reach. Mitsubishi UFJ (Japan) and HSBC (UK) add diversity, excelling in Asia and trade.
Together, these top banking giants hold over USD 35 trillion in assets, dwarfing many countries’ GDPs! Let’s understand why each of these banks is a giant in the global banking industry:
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
ICBC leads as one of the biggest banks in the world, serving over 650 million customers. This Beijing-based bank powers China’s economy with loans and investments, making it a true financial leader.
China Construction Bank (CCB)
CCB is another of the top global banks, funds China’s massive infrastructure—like roads and buildings. With 14,000+ branches, it’s a banking powerhouse you can’t ignore.
Agricultural Bank of China (ABC)
ABC supports farmers and businesses alike, ranking among the biggest banks in the world. Its 24,000 branches make it a financial giant with deep roots.
Bank of China (BOC) China
BOC excels in global trade, operating in 60+ countries. It’s one of the largest financial institutions, connecting China to markets like India.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The top US bank, JPMorgan Chase, is a leading banking giant. From New York, it serves millions with loans and investments—a dream spot for finance students!
Bank of America (BofA)
ofA, with 68 million customers, ranks high among the biggest banks in the world. It’s a financial titan in wealth management and trading.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Japan’s largest bank operates in 50 countries, making it one of the top global banks. It’s a banking leader in Asia and beyond.
BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas, a French banking giant, holds USD 2.8 trillion in assets. It has a strong presence in Europe and operates in over 70 countries, offering corporate and institutional banking services.
Wells Fargo & Company
With 4,400+ branches, Wells Fargo is a financial powerhouse in the US, offering loans and more—another of the biggest banks in the world.
Crédit Agricole Group
Crédit Agricole is a leading European bank with USD 2.7 trillion in assets. It offers retail banking, corporate banking, and financial advisory services across Europe and beyond.
HSBC Holdings
London-based HSBC shines among top banking institutions, with a strong presence in Asia, including India. It’s a global banking giant. For students who often travel or handle finances across different countries, an HSBC international student account can be a convenient option. It offers banking services designed to meet the needs of students managing money globally.
Citigroup Inc.
Citigroup rounds out the biggest banks in the world, excelling in investments and serving clients globally from New York.
Why Are These Banks So Large?
The biggest banks in the world have grown to enormous sizes due to several key factors. Their global expansion, acquisition of smaller financial institutions, and diverse service offerings play a crucial role in their dominance. Here are the main factors contributing to their growth and success:
- Economic Influence: Banks in rapidly growing economies, such as China and the US, expand faster due to higher demand for financial services.
- Global Expansion: International operations increase revenue streams and asset accumulation.
- Diversified Services: Offering investment banking, corporate loans, and wealth management attracts high-value clients.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Larger banks acquire smaller financial institutions, boosting their total assets.
Also Read: 10 Best Banks in Ireland for International Students
Why Are the Biggest Banks in the World Important?
The biggest banks in the world aren’t just about money—they’re the backbone of global economies. These top financial institutions manage huge assets, offer loans, and power international trade.
Understanding these leading banks is key as they create jobs, influence the nation’s growth, and could be your future employers! With their vast banking networks, they keep money flowing worldwide, impacting everything from your savings to global markets.
Role of the Biggest Banks in the Global Economy
The biggest banks in the world play an integral role in the global economy, serving as financial pillars that support businesses, governments, and individuals. These banks in the world significantly impact the global economy through:
- Financial Stability: Their large asset base helps them withstand economic downturns.
- Trade and Investment Growth: They facilitate cross-border transactions, forex trading, and investment banking.
- Employment Generation: These banks employ millions worldwide, contributing to economic development.
- Technological Innovation: Large banks invest in digital banking, fintech, and blockchain solutions to enhance services.
Challenges Faced by the Worlds’ Biggest Banks
Despite their dominance, the biggest banks in the world face numerous challenges that can impact their growth and operations. The challenges these financial institutions encounter are:
- Regulatory Compliance: Stricter financial regulations increase operational costs.
- Cybersecurity Risks: With growing digital transactions, banks face risks related to cyberattacks and data breaches.
- Global Economic Fluctuations: Changes in interest rates, inflation, and economic policies impact their profitability.
- Competition from Fintech: Digital banking platforms and fintech startups challenge traditional banking models.
The Future of the Biggest Banks in the World
What’s ahead for these largest financial institutions? In 2025, expect smarter banking with AI and apps—making life easier for you. They’re also going green, funding projects like solar power. The biggest banks in the world will keep evolving, and India might soon have its own banking titan on this list!
Also Read: List of Banks in UK: Top Banks, Services & How to Choose
Understanding the biggest banks in the world provides insights into global financial systems and economic trends. These banks shape the future of banking, offering a wide range of services while facing evolving market challenges.
For Indian students and finance professionals, studying these institutions can help in career growth and understanding international finance. As financial landscapes evolve, these banks will continue to dominate the sector, driving economic progress worldwide.
FAQs on Biggest Banks in the World
The biggest banks in 2025, ranked by total assets, include ICBC, CCB, ABC, BOC (all from China), JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup (US), Mitsubishi UFJ (Japan), and HSBC (UK). ICBC tops the list with ~USD 6.3 trillion!
Chinese banks dominate because China’s economy is massive, and these state-backed banks fund huge projects like roads, buildings, and trade. ICBC, for example, serves over 650 million customers—more than twice India’s population!
These banks create jobs, influence India’s economy through trade, and could be future employers if you’re into finance. They also impact prices of things you buy, like phones or clothes, by funding global markets.
China leads with four of the top five—ICBC, CCB, ABC, and BOC. The US follows with four in the top 10—JPMorgan, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup.
A bank’s size is measured by its total assets—cash, loans, and investments it controls. Big banks grow through global expansion, diverse services like loans and trading, and mergers with smaller banks.
Not yet! HDFC Bank (USD 300 billion) and State Bank of India (USD 700 billion) are growing fast but don’t make the top 10. They’re still big players in India, though!
They lend it to businesses, fund projects like bridges or solar farms, and help countries trade. They also invest in tech—like apps and AI—to make banking easier for you.
They keep money flowing by offering loans, supporting trade, and creating jobs. With over $35 trillion in assets combined, they’re like the pillars holding up the world’s economy!
They deal with strict rules, cyberattacks, economic ups and downs, and competition from fintech startups. Staying big isn’t easy when the world keeps changing!
In 2025 and beyond, expect smarter banking with AI, better apps, and green projects like solar energy. These banks will keep growing, and maybe an Indian bank will join them soon!
To learn more about bank accounts for students, the best education loans, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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