Learn About the Largest 10 Arab and Global Banks

SadaNews - Banks play a pivotal role in the global economy as the main intermediaries in gathering savings, financing projects, facilitating trade, and managing risks. On World Bank Day, which is celebrated on December 4 every year, and amidst economic challenges, inflation, and market disruptions, the strength and stability of banks emerge as a critical economic factor.

Top 10 Global Banks

According to a ranking published by Standard & Poor's in April last year, Chinese banks dominated the list of the world's largest banks by assets at the end of 2024, thanks to a wide array of assets, deposits, and credits, while American, European, and Japanese banks also stand out as diverse global banking powers.

The largest banks in the world by asset size are as follows:

1- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) with assets of $6.7 trillion.

2- Agricultural Bank of China (AgBank) with assets of $5.9 trillion.

3- China Construction Bank (CCB) with assets of $5.6 trillion.

4- Bank of China (BOC) with assets of $4.8 trillion.

5- J.P. Morgan with assets of $4 trillion.

6- Bank of America with assets of $3.3 trillion.

7- HSBC with assets of $3 trillion.

8- BNP Paribas with assets of $2.8 trillion.

9- Crédit Agricole Group with assets of $2.7 trillion.

10- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) with assets of $2.6 trillion.

Arab Banks

The year 2024 was characterized by ongoing global challenges, including geopolitical fluctuations, inflationary pressures, and uneven economic recovery in developed and emerging markets. Despite these disruptions, the Arab world once again demonstrated remarkable resilience, according to SadaNews monitoring. Thanks to the economies of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the region has benefitted from strong financial centers, diverse investment strategies, and robust banking systems to maintain growth momentum.

The essence of this resilience lies in the Arab banking sector, where banks across the region have maintained strong capital bases, expanded their asset portfolios, and embraced innovation in digital transformation and sustainable finance.

These institutions remain cornerstones of economic stability, not just in protecting local economies from external shocks but also in effectively financing national development and diversification agendas.

The 2025 ranking underscores the pivotal role that Arab banks play in supporting economic growth, modernizing financial markets, and contributing to global stability.

According to a report by the Union of Arab Bankers, the importance of Arab banks in stability and development is manifested in:

Supporting the local economy: Major banks in the Arab world (especially in the Gulf) finance massive infrastructure, energy, and real estate projects, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Providing liquidity and stability: With strong capital bases, banks can absorb financial shocks, bear risks, and provide loans during periods of volatility, enhancing financial stability.

Stimulating innovation and digital transformation: Many Arab banks have started to adopt digital transformation, online banking, and enabling sustainable finance, improving sector efficiency and meeting the changing needs of individuals and businesses.

Regional and international roles: Some banks have an international presence, making them bridges between Arab and global markets, contributing to enhancing cross-border trade and investment.

The largest 10 Arab banks by assets:

1- Qatar National Bank $356.6 billion.

2- First Abu Dhabi Bank $330.36 billion.

3- National Commercial Bank (Saudi Arabia) $294.46 billion.

4- Emirates NBD $271.36 billion.

5- Al Rajhi Bank (Saudi Arabia) $259.86 billion.

6- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank $177.76 billion.

7- National Bank of Kuwait $130.16 billion.

8- Riyad Bank $120.1 billion.

9- Saudi Bank $106.52 billion.

10- Saudi French Bank $78 billion.