World's 50 Safest Emerging Markets Banks 2013

Global Finance Names the World’s 50 Safest Banks in Emerging Markets

New York, November 5, 2013 - As developing nations struggle with a slow-down in once booming economies, the financial institutions in those countries are facing a moment of truth. With their local economies suddenly contracting, only the strongest banks will thrive. And because of that, potential corporate customers will be extremely careful in choosing the banks they do business with. In short, it’s safety first.

It’s against this backdrop that Global Finance announces it’s third annual ranking of the Safest Banks in Emerging Markets. For the ranking, Global Finance used the same criteria as is applied to the Annual World’s Safest Banks ranking, which appeared in the October issue—a recognized and trusted standard of creditworthiness for the financial world, now in its 22nd year.

We evaluate the ratings and total assets of the main players in developing economies to create the rankings—providing an overview of the key banks in each region and which financial institutions offer the greatest security. Winners were selected through an evaluation of long-term credit ratings—from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings—and total assets of the 500 largest banks in emerging markets.

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi takes the top spot for 2013, reflecting a recent upgrade by S&P. Banks from the Gulf and the Middle East dominate the list this year, with 22 out of the top 50 ranked banks. Korea, with 10 banks, and China, with 8, are the other large groups on the list, followed by Taiwan and Chile with 4 each and 2 from Czech Republic.

In addition there are a number of institutions making the list for the first time this year: Export-Import Bank of China, Export-Import Bank of Korea, Korea Development Bank, HSBC Oman (HSBC merged its Muscat Branch with Oman International Bank and renamed the bank earlier this year, resulting in a big upgrade) - and Bank of Communications, which was upgraded by Fitch earlier this year.

“For companies looking to expand into new markets, choosing the right banking partner is critical,” says Global Finance publisher Joseph D. Giarraputo. “This ranking is an invaluable tool for companies to evaluate institutional strength in fast-growing emerging markets.”

This exclusive ranking will be published in the December issue of Global Finance .