Revolut’s brand value skyrockets nearly 800%, according to Brand Finance ranking of the world’s most valuable bank brands
- The total brand value of the world’s 500 most valuable banking brands surges by 13% year-on-year to reach $1.6 trillion
- Chinese bank brands top the ranking with ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of China the four most valuable
- Indonesian bank BCA is the world’s strongest bank brand
LONDON, 20 March 2025 - The total brand value of the world’s 500 most valuable banking brands has surged by 13% year-on-year to reach USD1.6 trillion, marking the first double-digit increase in four years, according to the latest report by Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy. This follows two years of sluggish 2% brand value growth and reflects the banking sector's ability to sustain momentum despite market volatility.
Annie Brown, Valuation Director at Brand Finance, commented:
“The high-interest rate environment in many major economies has undoubtedly driven growth in banking brand values, boosting profits and share prices in 2024. However, longer-term brand value growth is being shaped by four key trends: regulation, digital innovation, a shift towards fee-based income over interest margins, and a renewed focus on brand building to sustain competitive advantage.”
Chinese banking brands continue to dominate the ranking, with ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) retaining its position as the most valuable banking brand in the world for the ninth consecutive year, growing 10% to USD79.1 billion. China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China complete the top four. While the country’s leading banks remain strong, smaller players in China have struggled, with several ranking lower or losing brand value.
David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance, commented:
“When choosing a bank, Chinese customers focus more heavily on innovative digital technologies more than any other region. This aids the excellent domestic customer perception of brands like China Construction Bank and ICBC. Globally, it is no coincidence that these brands rose to the fore ahead of HSBC, Citi and Wells Fargo in the mid/late 2010s, as Chinese economic growth accelerated. Scale continues to drive high the high valuations of Chinese bank brands as they continue to expand into international markets, targeting expats and international business facilitation.”
Digital-first challenger banks are now seeing the benefits of years investment into building their brands. UK neobank Revolut is the fastest-growing banking brand globally, with a 795% increase in brand value to USD1.9 billion, driven by marketing investment, customer expansion and new market entry.
Indonesia’s BCA retains its title as the world’s strongest banking brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 97.1/100 and an elite AAA+ rating. The ranking reinforces the growing strength of local and regional banks, with many in Asia and Africa excelling in customer trust and digital innovation.
While banking brands have seen significant brand value growth, overall business value has increased even more sharply (+43%), leading to a drop in brand value as a proportion of market capitalisation from 19% to 14%. This a signals restoration of confidence in the banking industry, as well as potentially historic undervaluation of banks.