Banking with the best
Global banking faces some of the biggest challenges it has ever known, but thanks to strong leadership, the industry looks more than capable of navigating the path to profit
Global banking is in a period of transition. While it is not completely out of the woods yet – following the financial crisis and its repercussions – the industry has changed considerably, and must continue to evolve if it ever hopes to see a return to pre-crisis performance levels. And yet with the right people guiding the industry, banking may well prosper and could have a hand in regenerating the redistribution of wealth throughout the global economy.
The prolonged process of deleveraging banks, financial institutions, and households since 2008 has had a strong effect on credit supply and demand, with large US and European banks taking the time to clean up their balance sheets and sell legacy assets while trying to reduce their reliance on less stable funding sources, such as short-term wholesale funding, according to IMF’s 2015 Global Financial Stability Report. It has been a process that could linger for many years, and one that has shaken the industry to its very core. The long-term project of returning markets to something that looks like normality could go on for decades, but both short- and long-term progress must be directed by the right individuals.
Across the globe, other problems have not helped. Political upheaval and economic uncertainty have hampered the prospects of the Middle East and Latin America to some extent. That said, many of the banks in these regions have recovered to such an extent that confidence has surged back.
Despite the obstacles faced by the international banking community, the sector possesses a number of individuals that have managed to find solutions to arguably the biggest challenges the industry has ever faced. These individuals possess insight and skill that has helped better the industry, taking their organisations forward amid difficult market conditions. Despite the challenges, these individuals have planned for and targeted success, brushing aside a variety of problems on the road to recovery.
In recognition of the hard work and ingenuity of these individuals, World Finance has chosen the bankers that we believe are most responsible for steering the banking industry into a new era. With the help of our dedicated readership and internal panel of judges, few stones have been unturned in seeking out the best managers and strategic thinkers out there.
Africa
Segun Agbaje
Guaranty Trust Bank
Much of the CEO’s recent focus has been on financial inclusion and the importance of non-traditional banking. “If you want to stay profitable, continue to grow and support efficiency, then you have to develop new markets and alternative ways of serving customers”, said Agbaje, speaking on the importance of exploring innovative industry concepts. Recognising that banking is a service-driven business and that money should find its way ultimately to the customer, Agbaje is under no illusions about the importance of people in rising ahead of the competition. This commitment to both its customers and to alternative banking approaches has seen the bank reach the top echelons of the Nigerian industry.
Europe
Jean-Laurent Bonnafe
BNP Paribas
Since joining BNP Paribas as a senior investment banker in 1994, Jean-Laurent Bonnafe has carved out a solid career trajectory and pushed the bank to new levels of responsibility and reliability. Overseeing a number of strategic changes at the bank over the last few years, the engineering graduate has developed a number of different businesses angles and projects under the BNP Paribas umbrella. Hailed as a uniquely strategic thinker, Bonnafe has been a member of the bank’s executive committee since 2002 and has always endeavoured to push the bank’s retail banking portfolio into new territory. His knowledge of the company, and his desire for change, are his strongest assets.
Latin America
André Santos Esteves
BTG Pactual
André Esteves is the Chairman & CEO of BTG Pactual. He joined the company in 1989 when it was called Banco Pactual SA, and four years later was made a partner. During the time UBS AG has controlled Pactual, Esteves first acted as CEO of UBS Pactual and later as the global head of Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities of UBS AG. Having founded BTG at the end of 2008, he formed BTG Pactual in 2009 with the repurchase of Banco Pactual SA. Esteves holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Rio de Janeiro, and has received worldwide acclaim for leading BTG Pactual through Brazil’s changeable economic landscape, using an international outlook to drive growth.
Asia
Aung Ko Win
KBZ Bank (Kanbawza Bank)
Chairman of the KBZ Group of Companies, Aung Ko Win has rejuvenated the financial portfolio of one of Myanmar’s leading banking institutions. The country has struggled over the last few years but is finally getting back on track, and KBZ is in a healthy position to make significant gains – especially with a strategist such as Aung Ko Win at the helm. The chairman has been much lauded for his entrepreneurial spirit and drive – a combination that has taken KBZ from strength to strength. The firm encourages international investment in the country and has directed a number of projects that have put Myanmar in a fantastic position within the growing economies of Asia.
Australasia
Andrew Thorburn
National Australia Bank
Despite only having sat as Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of one of Australia’s most prestigious banks since midway through 2014, Andrew Thorburn’s influence has been significant. The MBA graduate has been a long-term custodian of the bank, and has helped redefine the Australian financial services industry over the course of the last few years. Coming from an economics background, Thorburn is a strong motivator and outstanding strategic planner. The NAB Executive Leadership Team is studded with effective and experienced performers – Thorburn seems the ideal choice to lead that team forward, and to take National Australia Bank onto ever greater things.
Middle East
Dr Bernd van Linder
Saudi Hollandi Bank
A great advocate of pushing ever-higher levels of customer service, Dr Bernd van Linder has been a central figure in taking Saudi Hollandi Bank onto the next level of banking in the Middle East. Van Linder is widely considered to have an astute awareness of the position of the bank within its market (and of wider markets in general), is a firm strategist with outstanding experience, and is greatly informed on local and international banking regulations. The bank has flourished with him directing matters, and his ability to monitor the supply chain in both directions has won him numerous plaudits. Saudi Arabian banking has certainly felt his impact, and Saudi Hollandi Bank is benfitting.
North America
Bharat Masrani
TD Bank
Formerly the bank’s chief risk officer, Bharat Masrani’s background in the field of risk management has been felt in the way that TD Bank has conducted itself since his appointment as CEO. A relative newcomer to the post – having taken it on at the end of 2014 – Masrani has slowly but surely steered TD Bank into more efficient waters. As well as demanding success at all times, the bank has reconsidered its cost centres and reappraised its attitude toward capital markets, lending, and internal communications. Masrani has worked for the bank across the world and has experience in a number of roles/departments, meaning he is ideally placed to take the organisation forward.
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AndorraMoraBancThe history of MoraBanc corresponds with its nature as a company – constantly evolving with its surroundings and consistently placing family values at its heart. The Andorran banking group has a solid reputation for professionalism and stands out for its deep-set respect for transparency and legality, while maintaining a careful focus on customer needs.
australia CommbankCommbank is Australia’s biggest provider of integrated financial services. Specialising in retail, premium, business and institutional banking, the firm also works in fund management, insurance and investment. Its goal is to come top for shareholder return over each five-year period, and it intends to achieve this through its diversified business.
AustriaRZB GroupFounded in 1927, RZB is Austria’s third-largest bank and the RZB Group currently ranks as the largest banking group in the country, measured by balance sheet. The group boasts a network of almost 1,600 branches, and has played an important role in shepherding the region’s thriving banking community.
boliviaBanco Mercantil Santa CruzBorn of a merger between Banco Mercantil and Banco Santa Cruz, BMSC is currently the largest financial institution in Bolivia and is a key contributor to the national economy. With over a century of experience under its belt and a host of banking services to its name, BMSC enjoys an outstanding reputation.
brazilBanco do BrasilA leader in banking and financial services in Brazil, Banco do Brasil offers a plethora of services and products that have driven it to become a market leader for both individual and corporate customers. The organisation is a fully diversified and strategically motivated platform that sustains a positive and growing network across the country.
bruneiBaiduri BankBaiduri Bank is a leading commercial bank in Brunei. Together with its wholly owned subsidiaries Baiduri Finance, an automobile finance company, and Baiduri Capital, a securities trading company, it offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses in Brunei.
cambodia ANZ Royal BankSince opening in 2005, ANZ Royal Bank has enjoyed global recognition as it continually improves and spreads its influence across Cambodia. The firm has placed great emphasis on customer service, and the expansion strategies over the last few years have paid off with more and more success in domestic markets.
canadaScotiabankAs a respected local player and one of the continent’s leading names in financial services, Scotiabank serves some 21 million customers worldwide. Underpinned by an impressive global footprint, a committed team of more than 86,000 employees and a clearly defined strategy, Scotiabank is an integral force behind Canada’s growing banking community.
chileBanco de Crédito e InversionesHeadquartered in Santiago, BCI is one of the largest banks in Chile, yet still manages to maintain the same core values that it began with in 1937. As such, it continues to deliver excellent customer service and prudent risk management, while acting with an innovative spirit to serve different sectors of Chile’s economy.
china HSBCHSBC China was established in 1865, and over the years has grown into one of the world’s biggest banking and financial services providers. With more than 6,100 offices scattered across the face of the planet, the sheer scale of its operation has allowed it to draw new customers and develop local expertise in mainland China and beyond.
colombiaBanco de BogotáBanco de Bogotá is known for offering its customers safety and reliability, a focus that it maintains by providing increased security with chip technology. The bank plays an active role in advancing the national economy, as well as helping individuals with a variety of loans; it is widely popular for its flexible and attractive mortgages.
dominican republicBanco Popular DominicanoSince the bank’s establishment over half a century ago, Banco Popular Dominicano has played a key part in pioneering many of the country’s banking firsts. With close to 150 branches to its name and a comprehensive portfolio of solutions spanning savings, investments and insurance, the bank is among the nation’s largest.
germanyDeutsche PostbankCreated in 1990 after the demerger of the banking and postal divisions of Deutsche Bundespost, Deutsche Postbank has since established itself as a major banking group within Germany’s competitive market. A subsidiary of Deustche Bank since 2012, the firm has an extensive network of operations across Germany.
ghana Zenith Bank GhanaOriginally founded in Nigeria, Zenith Bank has expanded across the region and now has a leading presence in Ghana’s banking sector. Incorporated in 2005, Zenith Bank Ghana has spurred innovation within the country’s banking industry, and has helped to provide an international standard of financial services to the market.
greecePiraeus BankPiraeus Bank operates as a universal bank in Greece and nine other countries in southeastern Europe, covering all financial activities. Its priorities include providing support to customers, shareholders and employees, as well as stakeholders, in a challenging environment, while contributing towards a sustainable Greek economic recovery and financial stability.
indonesiaANZWith a substantial branch network across a number of major cities in Indonesia, ANZ maintains a significant presence in the country. With corporate, commercial, treasury and cash management services on offer, the company has become well known as a leader in the banking landscape throughout Indonesia and across the Asia-Pacific region.
ireland Bank of IrelandIn a small but competitive market, in which many have fallen away over the last few years, Bank of Ireland has pulled out a lot of stops to reinforce its market position and protect the different elements of the group. 2015 has been kind to the bank, with both business and personal services improving as a result.
israelBank LeumiOne of the financial institutions that helped develop what is now modern Israel, Bank Leumi was founded in London in 1902. It is now Israel’s largest bank, with over 12,000 employees and 300 branches located in key financial centres across the globe. Leumi is considered Israel’s largest bank and one of the leading corporations in the Middle East.
jordanJordan Islamic BankCommitted to sharia compliance, the latest innovative banking products and the interests of all related parties – including shareholders, depositors and employees – Jordan Islamic Bank is a pillar of the Islamic banking community. Buoyed by impressive numbers all round, JIB has a key part to play in raising the profile of Islamic banking.
kenyaKenya Commercial BankOne of the top financial institutions in the region, Kenya Commercial Bank has a proud history dating back to 1896. With operations across six countries, KCB is without a doubt one of the most influential names in African banking today, with services that range from commercial to retail banking and more.
kuwaitNational Bank of KuwaitHeadquartered in Kuwait, with regional offices in Dubai, Istanbul and Cairo, the National Bank of Kuwait’s investment banking arm assists with the structuring and execution of financial instruments and packages for a wide variety of international borrowers and lenders. The bank takes particular pride in its experienced and highly trained workforce.
lebanon BankmedHeadquartered in Beirut, Bankmed is one of the oldest banking and financial institutions in the MENA region. Since its inception in 1944, Bankmed has been at the forefront of the Lebanese banking industry, maintaining a prominent position as a leading dynamic and socially responsible bank with a firm commitment to corporate social responsibility.
luxembourgKBLUnderpinned by centuries of shared expertise and experience, KBL European Private Bankers serves as a trusted advisor, investor and employer to those in the region. Tapping into both pan-European and local insight, KBL’s long-term goal is to grow to become the best private banking group in the continent.
macauICBC (Macau)Being the second-largest overseas division of ICBC Group, ICBC (Macau) has defined the industry and created an attractive banking standard in Macau. Specialising in personal and commercial services, the bank is particularly well diversified, and it has been successful in a number of markets.
mexico BBVA BancomerThe largest financial institution in Mexico, BBVA Bancomer holds around 20 percent of the market. Founded in 1932 as simply Bancomer, its main shareholder is now Spanish bank BBVA. The company is now one of BBVA’s biggest global revenue generators, serving 11 million customers across Mexico.
moldova Erste GroupTackling a diversified list of markets, Erste Group provides many financial tools to aid a variety of operational ends. The firm’s presence in Moldova is wide and expanding, with private and corporate clients well serviced. With a string of forward-looking banking platforms, Erste is well placed to capitalise on a growing market.
moroccoBMCEIn addition to having a far-reaching network throughout Morocco, BMCE continues to expand its international activities. On the continent, it works closely with the Bank of Africa Group and it is also establishing a new platform in Europe. It is this successful geographical diversification that underlines the robustness of BMCE’s growth strategy.
myanmarAYA BankBy offering a variety of banking and financial services across a number of markets, Myanmar’s principal banking provider has shown time and again that it’s a competitor of the highest order. Forward-looking, AYA Bank is a major player in pushing new technologies, and the bank seeks full accountability from every member of staff.
new zealandBank of New ZealandWith a history that stretches back more than 150 years, Bank of New Zealand’s experience of the country’s banking climate is without match. Abiding by New Zealand’s Code of Banking Practice, BNZ has done a great deal to ensure its customers are given the right tools to realise their financial aspirations.
nigeriaGuaranty Trust BankA foremost African financial institution with vast outlays in many African countries and the UK, GT Bank is one of the most profitable financial institutions in Africa, with an asset base of over NGN 2.48trn. GT Bank employs over 10,000 people and is recognised for its service, ethics, professionalism, innovation and corporate governance standards.
oman National Bank of OmanNational Bank of Oman’s investment banking division specialises in providing institutions and companies with financial advice, helping them to understand markets and complex financial instruments. Its coverage extends to equity and debt capital markets, private placements and financial advice, and is seen by many as second-to-none in Oman.
paraguaySudameris BankSudameris Bank has become widely known as a pioneer in Paraguay’s banking sector, ever since it was acquired by the Abbeyfield Group in 2004. It is now the fifth-largest bank in the country, and has helped play a leading role in offering banking services to both corporate and retail clients across the market.
philippinesRizal Commercial Banking CorporationEstablished in 1960, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation has always been keen to partner with a large number of foreign banks in order to expand its reach across the globe. The bank offers a diverse range of products and services, which constantly evolve in line with ever-changing client demands.
poland mBankCarving out an impressive and diversified banking position in Poland, mBank has reacted to changes in financial services in eastern Europe with great success. In 2015, the bank reasserted its position in the market, bettering its offerings and creating a higher standard of service for its customer base.
qatarQatar National BankProviding tailor-made financial services to a substantial client list, Qatar National Bank’s history is both rich and successful. The bank offers a number of funds in which to invest, while providing an advisory service on portfolio management to high-end clients. QNB has roots in commercial banking, but has successfully transitioned to the private market.
saudia arabiaSaudi Hollandi BankSaudi Hollandi Bank is the longest-established provider of financial products and services to Saudi Arabia’s leading companies, both large and small. Over the past 88 years the bank has maintained a consistently strong capital base while incorporating a broader social engagement, and is now focused on building a strong reputation in the retail market.
slovakiaErste GroupEstablished in 1819, Erste Group has expanded its footprint across much of central and eastern Europe, and is today one of the region’s largest financial services providers. With a branch network of almost 2,800 and an employee base of over 46,000, Erste Group boats an impressive local and international presence.
south africaRand Merchant BankThe Rand Merchant Bank is one of Africa’s preeminent corporate and investment banks, having earned such renown through its dedication to providing clients with innovative financial solutions. RMB has a vast network of branches scattered across the continent as well as some in the UK, India, China and the Middle East, with the intention to expand further.
south korea Shinhan BankHeadquartered in Seoul, South Korea’s premier banking institution has built a long and illustrious history. Part of the Shinhan Financial Group, the bank provides a number of banking and other financial services to private and corporate clients across the country. It has a number of subsidiaries and a strong branch network.
trinidad and tobagoFirst Citizens BankOffering a wide range of personal, commercial and corporate banking services, First Citizens Bank has long been pushing the boundaries of innovation and customer service. Steamrolling to the forefront of banking in Trinidad and Tobago, the firm has a diversified and productive reach that has redefined financial services across the region.
turkey AkbankThe most valuable brand in Turkey according to Brand Finance – with a brand value of over $2.5bn and an asset size of $90bn – Akbank ranks as Turkey’s number-one financial services institution. The bank serves over 13 million customers through an extensive national network, which comprises around 1,000 branches and 15,500 employees.
UAEMashreq BankMashreq Bank is regarded as one of the most innovative retail banks in the Middle East, having launched several digital initiatives in recent years. Its state-of-the-art mobile apps challenge traditional practices, while it has also provided customers with digital branches, engagement through social media outlets, and banking advice via video conferencing.
UKLloyds Banking GroupOriginally founded in Birmingham in 1765, Lloyds grew substantially during the 19th and 20th centuries by acquiring a range of smaller banks. Its headquarters are in London, with offices in Wales and Scotland. Lloyds is a leading UK financial services group, providing a range of products and services, focused on personal and commercial customers.
venezuelaBanesco Banco UniversalA subsidiary of Banesco International Financial Group, Banesco Banco Universal provides various financial services to both private and business clients. Although only founded in 1993, the organisation has grown quickly in stature and presence in its domestic market, diversifying substantially in that time.
vietnamOrient Commercial Joint Stock BankOCB is a forward-looking, diversified and progressive joint stock bank. The firm has a number of key international stakeholders and a growing branch network, with a staff figure approaching 2,500. Branches are spread throughout the various provinces and cities across the country, offering a stable base for future growth and expansion.