The World's Safest Banks

The World's Safest Banks

In a world economy plagued by troubles in the global financial system, the words “safe” and “bank” are rarely put together. The shake up of banking systems around the world raises the question: "Which banks are the safe banks?"

For the past 17 years, Global Finance has compiled a list of the World’s 50 Safest Banks, and for the first time ever deemed it necessary


1.Japan

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (#48 Worldwide)

Banking Industry as of 3/09
Size of Banking Industry: 191,495 billion (JPY)
Key interest rate: 0.1%
Number of commercial banks: 77

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ enters into the rankings as the 48th safest bank in the world, and safest in Japan, according to Global Finance. With 786 branches in Japan and 75


2.Kuwait

National Bank of Kuwait (#44 Worldwide)

Banking Industry as of 3/09
Size of Banking Industry: N/A
Key interest rate: 3.75%
Number of commercial banks: 17

The only Middle-Eastern bank represented on the Global Finance list is the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). Getting high marks from the ratings agencies, NBK is one of the largest financial institutions in the country and boasts an unbroken record of rising profits since 1952, reaching $1 billion in 2007. NBK has a market capitalization of $9.1 billion.

Source: Central Bank of Kuwait




3.Switzerland

Credit Suisse Group (#40 Worldwide)

Banking Industry as of 3/09
Size of Banking Industry: 2,308 billion euros
Key interest rate: 0.5%
Number of commercial banks: 330

Other Banks in Top 50
UBS

The Swiss banking system is represented in Global Finance's rankings by two international players, Credit Suisse and UBS. Credit Suisse is ranked 40th safest worldwide by Global Finance, commanding a market cap of $25.9 billion.

Source: CNBC Europe, Swiss National Bank



4.Belgium

AXA Bank Europe (#39 Worldwide)

Banking Industry as of 3/09
Size of Banking Industry: 1,362 billion euros
Key interest rate: 2%
Number of commercial banks: 15

The relatively small Belgian banking system only contains 15 banks, but topping the safest banks in the country is AXA Bank Europe, ranked 39th on Global Finance’s list. Part of the international AXA group, AXA Bank Europe has a market capitalization of $14.9 billion.

Source: CNBC Europe, Belgian Central Bank



5.Portugal

Caixa Geral de Depositos (#36 Worldwide)

Banking Industry as of 3/09
Size of Banking Industry: 340 billion euros
Key interest rate: 2%
Number of commercial banks: 90

Portugal’s Caixa Geral de Depositos ranks 36th overall in Global Finance’s rankings. A government owned entity; it’s the only Portuguese bank on the list, and the largest in the country. Caixa Geral also conducts international operations in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Source: CNBC Europe, Banco de Portugal