The 10 Fastest Growing Economies in the World

#10: Papua New Guinea

Economy: Subsistence agriculture provides a livelihood for 85% of the nation, but PNG’s natural resources – oil, natural gas, copper, and gold – are what drive its exports and GDP growth. Infrastructure remains scarce due to a rugged terrain. The country was insulated from the global recession because of continued demand for its commodities.

#9: ChinaEconomy: The world’s largest exporter and second biggest economy has gradually transitioned from an isolated, state-planned economy and introduced elements of free markets. An aging population, decreasing farmland, lack of domestic consumption, and reducing regional imbalances are downside risks to Chinese GDP growth. China is on the forefront of alternative energy development, particularly in solar. 

#8: LibyaEconomy: Libya’s wealth is derived from its exports of oil and natural gas to Europe and China. Construction and service sectors are growing, both in value and as a share of GDP. The Libyan GDP per capita is among the highest in Africa, though income inequality remains high. Foreign investments to develop Libya’s natural resources are contingent upon political stability and national security. 

#7: Democratic Republic of Timor-LesteEconomy: Offshore drilling for oil and gas is the principal source of government revenues. The government has increased spending on infrastructure to continue to repair damages caused by Indonesian troops in 1999. Unemployment and dependence upon O&G are roadblocks to growth.

#6: IraqEconomy: Foreign investment inflows are expected to increase in the wake of US Troop withdrawals. Oil exports, the impetus for the nation’s wealth, have returned to pre-war levels. Adoption of free market principles, strengthening the legal framework for businesses, and developing Iraqi infrastructure are keys to the country’s growth.

#5: MongoliaEconomy: Mongolia successfully transitioned from a Cold War Soviet satellite state into semi-modern, mixed capitalist economy. Mineral deposits of copper, gold, coal, uranium, tin, and tungsten are the major sources of Mongolia’s wealth. Commodity exports – overwhelmingly to China – and foreign investment will drive GDP growth. 

#4: BhutanEconomy: The majority of citizens in this underdeveloped economy are reliant upon agriculture and forestry. The lack of infrastructure in the country is due to the rough, mountainous terrain. India is the nation’s closest trading partner, and increasing hydropower exports are expected to drive Bhutanese employment and economic growth moving forward.

#3: GuineaEconomy: Guinea is among the world’s richest in natural resources, possessing half of available bauxite reserves in addition to iron ore, gold, and diamonds. Corruption is the nation’s primary barrier to economic growth. Access to international aid and foreign investment is contingent upon addressing this issue.

#2: South SudanEconomy: The majority of South Sudan’s adult population still engages in subsistence farming. Government revenues come nearly wholly from oil, the country’s most abundant and valuable natural resource. As well, South Sudan has sovereignty over the White Nile valley, one of the most fertile grounds for agriculture in Africa. Poverty and insufficient infrastructure remain the top issues for the nation to address.

#1: São Tomé and PrincipeEconomy: This nation enjoys oil reserves in the Gulf of Guinea, and is transitioning from a cocoa-producing to a petroleum-producing nation. A burgeoning tourism industry, the institution of free markets, and inflows of foreign investment are the green shoots for this island economy. São Tomé and Principe are vulnerable to price shocks on their many imported goods.

Top 10 largest banks in the world

1. Deutsche Bank, Germany – $2.8 trillion in assets

It is headquartered in their Twin Towers in Frankfurt. It maintains offices in all the major and emerging markets, employing more than a hundred thousand people spread over 70 countries.  The bank is one of the largest dealers of foreign exchange in the world, controlling over a fifth of the market.

2. HSBC, United Kingdom – $2.6 trillion in assets

The banks roots can be traced to 1865 when it opened offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai in China, thus the name HSBC, which stands for Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. In 1991, HSBC Holdings plc was established to serve as the holding company and to enable its purchase of Midland Banks in the United Kingdom. The bank is based in London, but has a presence in 85 countries and territories around the world.

3. BNP Paribas, France – $2.5 trillion in assets

The bank is a result of a merger between Banque Nationale de Paris and Paribas in 2000. It is based in Paris, though it also has a global headquarter in London. It considers France, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg as its domestic markets. Its main focuses are on retail banking, corporate and investment banking, and investment solutions. The last one includes asset management, real estate services and custodial banking.

4. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China – $2.4 trillion in assets

initially established in 1984 as a limited company, ICBC is one of the Big Four banks based in China that are owned by the state. The others are the Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China and the China Construction Bank. ICBC is the largest in the world in terms of profit and market capital.

5. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Japan – $2.4 trillion in assets

The bank is the fruit of a merger in 2005 by the second and fourth largest banking groups in Japan, namely the Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, or MTFG, based in Tokyo and UFJ Holdings based in Osaka. Based in Chiyoda in Tokyo, the financial institution is one of the main companies of the giant Mitsubishi group. It is the second largest bank in the world in terms of deposit holdings.

6. Credit Agricole, France – $2.4 trillion in assets

In terms of retail banking, Credit Agricole is the largest bank in France and the second largest in the whole of Europe. It has branches in more than 60 countries and serves more than 21 million clients. It has also been listed as the second largest cooperative in the world. The strategy that the bank follows is the development of a major presence in the different banking markets of Europe by purchasing a significant stake in the different local banks.

7. The Barclays Group, United Kingdom – $2.4 trillion in assets

This is a British bank and financial services company based in London. Known for its sponsorship of the English Premier League, Barclays has a presence in more than 50 countries all over the globe and serves more than 48 million customers. It has a universal bank status and is engaged mostly in corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management, and retail and business banking.

8. The Royal Bank of Scotland, United Kingdom – $2.3 trillion in assets

The Royal Bank of Scotland, or the RBS Group, is a British banking and insurance holding firm based in Edinburgh in Scotland. More than 80 percent of its shares are held by the British government, though the government’s voting rights are limited to only 75 percent to allow the bank to maintain its listing in the London Stock Exchange. The RBS Group controls several banks that have been around for quite some time, including (1) The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, which was established in 1727 through a Royal Charter by King George I, (2) the National Westminster Bank, which was founded in 1650 as the Smith’s Bank of Nottingham, and (3) the Dublin-based Ulster Bank, which began operations in 1836.

9. JP Morgan Chase, United States – $2.3 trillion in assets

This financial giant was established in 2000 when the Chase Manhattan Corporation merged with J.P. Morgan & Co. it is the largest bank in the United States, and it is also considered as the second largest public company in the world. It is a major provider of financial services and its hedge funds are one of the largest in the country. The merger proved to be a perfect marriage, with J.P. Morgan focusing on investment banking, asset management, private banking, wealth management and treasury and security services. Chase’s major competencies, on the other hand, are in the fields of commercial banking, retail banking, and credit card services in the U.S. and Canada.

10. Bank of America, United States – $2.1 trillion in assets

The bank is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, but has a presence in more than 150 countries. Clientele includes 99 percent of the Fortune 500 companies based in the U.S. and 83 percent of the magazine’s global 500. It is the largest wealth management corporation in the world and is considered a major player in investment banking after it purchased Merrill Lynch in 2008.

Top 10 richest countries in the world

#1) Qatar – Richest Country in the World and in AsiaGDP (PPP): $106,283.96

Capital City: Doha

With a population of around 1.9 million and GDP equal to $182 Billion, Qatar is the world’s

richest country. It lies in the Persian Gulf and it is a peninsula. It lies in the Middle East and is

richest among all its Arab neighbors. Saudia Arabai lies to its south. Economy of this richest

country is entirely dependent on Petroleum as it contributes nearly 85% in export earnings.

Banking and Tourism are other areas where Qatar generates money.

#2) Luxembourg – Richest Country in EuropeGDP (PPP): $79,649.49

Capital City: Luxembourg

Holding the title of wealthiest country in Europe, Luxembourg is much famous as a tax

heaven. Many billionaires from around the globe reside in this country to save themselves

from taxes in their homeland.  It is the second richest country in the world. With a population

of just around half million, it has striking contrast of green pastures of land alongside

industrialized city. It lies in Europe and is headed by a Grand Duke. Banking, Steel Industry

and telecommunications contribute heavily to its wealth.

#3) Singapore – World’s Third Richest CountryGDP (PPP): $61,046.96

Capital City:  Singapore

Located in Southeast Asia and comprising of 63 islands, Singapore is a fully island country.

On this list of top 10 wealthiest nations, it ranks third. It is one of the largest financial centers

in the world and along with Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea, it forms the Four Asian

Tigers. Its population is around 5.5 millions with majority of them practising Buddhism.

#4) Norway – One of the Richest European CountryGDP (PPP): $54,479

Capital City:  Oslo

A country with roughly 5 million people, Norway ,coupled with high GDP and comparatively

low population, it is one of the richest countries on Earth. Sharing its border with Finland,

Sweden and Russia, it is a developed country. Economy of this rich nation depends on oil

and natural gas reserves which is found around it.

#5) Hong Kong SAR – Second Richest Country in AsiaGDP (PPP): $50,716

Lying on China’s South coast, Hong Kong is the fifth richest country based on per capita

income. It has a high GDP and it is a leading financial destination in the world as well as in

Asia. It is a specially administrated region with its own currency but defence services by

China.

#6) Brunei DarussalamGDP (PPP): $50,440

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Located in Southeast Asia, Brunei generates its revenues from crude oil and natural gas

exports. Revenues from petroleum contribute around 90% to its GDP. With a small

population of less than half-a-million, Brunei is one of the least densely populated country in

the world. Its sultan is one of the richest person in the world.

#7) United States of AmericaGDP (PPP): $49,601

Capital: Washington DC

This country needs no introduction. The most powerful country in the world and the most

powerful economy in the world, United States (US) leads the globe in science and

technology and nearly in every research field which can be though of. It is the largest

exporter of weapons and also other goods and services. This rich country in the world has a

GDP of around 15 trillion US Dollars which makes it the richest and biggest economy in the

world. It is one of the wealthiest economy on planet Earth. In American continent, this

country is second to none.  Thus it is also the richest country in American continent (North as

well as South America). This country is also the largest manufacturer in the world and the

leading financial nation.

#8) United Arab Emirates (UAE)GDP (PPP): $48,434

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Another richest country in Middle-East, United Arab Emirates consists of seven independent

Emirates which are ruled by their individual monarchs. It is the second richest Arab country.

Its GDP is third largest in Middle East after Saudi Arabia and Iran. It generates wealth from

its oil and natural gas exports along with dried fish and dates. With depletion of oil reserves,

UAE has started diversification of its businesses. This world’s richest country now plans to

make UAE a big tourist destination and a leading financial market.

#9) SwitzerlandGDP (PPP): $44,015

Capital: Bern

 Lying in the continent of Europe is this eight most rich nation. Switzerland has a diverse

economy and it is one of the most stable economies of world. Economy of this wealthy

country depends on banking, Tourism, Industries and Agriculture. Switzerland is also a

leading exporter of high-end watches in the world. It is one of the financial havens for those

seeking to hide their cash. On our top 10 world’s richest country, it ranks ninth.

#10) Kuwait – Rich Arab CountryGDP (PPP): $43,773

Capital: Kuwait City

Kuwait is another prosperous country in middle-east. Like others, it also highly depends on petroleum for revenues. Crude Oil accounts for majority of its exports. It has a small

population of 2.8 million. Per capita income of Kuwaitis is around $43,000 and this makes it one of the richest countries in the world.

Top 10 banks in Europe

1 Deutsche Bank Germany 2,805.50 31/03/2012

2 HSBC Holdings UK 2,637.22 31/03/2012

3 BNP Paribas France 2,545.34 31/12/2011

4 Credit Agricole Group France 2,514.81 31/03/2012

5 Barclays PLC UK 2,430.74 31/12/2011

6Royal Bank of Scotland Group

UK 2,246.52 31/03/2012

7 Banco Santander Spain 1,712.05 31/03/2012

8 ING Group Netherlands 1,656.88 31/03/2012

9 Societe Generale France 1,592.72 31/03/2012

10 Lloyds Banking Group UK 1,548.00 31/03/2012

Top 10 banks in the USA

Rank Company31.03.2013 Assets, $m

31.12.2012Assets, $m

31.12.2011Assets, $m

31.12.2010Assets, $m

31.12.2009Assets, $m

31.12.2008Assets, $m

1J.P.Morgan Chase & Co

2,389,349.0 2,359,141.0 2,265,792.0 2,117,605.0 2,031,989.0 2,175,052.0

2Bank of America Corp

2,174,611.0 2,209,974.0 2,129,046.0 2,264,909.0 2,230,232.0 1,817,943.0

3 Citigroup 1,881,734.0 1,864,660.0 1,873,878.0 1,913,902.0 1,856,646.0 1,938,470.0

4Wells Fargo & Company

1,436,634.0 1,422,968.0 1,313,867.0 1,258,128.0 1,243,646.0 1,309,639.0

5Goldman Sachs Group

959,000.00 938,555.00 923,225.00 911,332.00 848,942.00 884,547.00

6 Morgan Stanley 801,000.00 780,960,00 749,898.00 807,698.00 771,462.00 658,812.00

7Bank of New York Mellon

355,942.0 358,990.00 325,266.00 247,259.00 212,224.00 237,512.00

8 U.S. Bancorp 355,447.0 353,855.00 340,122.00 307,786.00 281,176.00 265,912.00

9HSBC North America Holdings

na 318,801.75 331,402.98 343,699.91 391,332.07 434,715.91

10 Capital One 300,163.0 312,918.00 206,019.00 197,503.00 169,646.00 165,913.50

Top 10 banks in Asia

10.Kookmin Bank

Kookmin Bank shortly known as a KB, is the largest bank by total asset and

market capitalization, Founded in 1963.

9. State Bank of India

This is the largest bank in India, it is public banking and financial service state

owned Government Company, headquartered in Mumbai in India and founded in

1955. It has 222,933 staff in around the world with 13,000 outlets including 150

overseas branches. SBI is one of the most reputed companies in the world

according to Forbes Magazine.

8. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank is a joint stock commercial bank,

headquartered in Shanghai and founded in 1993. It employed above 31000 staffs

and has net income $418 million as on 2006.

7. Shinhan Bank

It is a Bank founded in 1897 and also first bank of South Korea, headquartered in

Seoul in South Korea. It has 13,185 as of 2010.

6. China Merchants Bank

This is one of the largest banks in China, headquartered in Shenzhen and

founded in 1987. It has over 500 branches in China.

5. Bank of Communications

This is 5th largest bank in Asia, founded in 1908, the total revenue of this bank is

$20 billion as on 2007. It has over 79,000 employees around China.

4. Bank of China

This Banks is the third largest in the world based on total employees,

headquartered in Beijing in China and founded in 1912 and oldest Bank in China.

Bank of China has 389,827 employees in china and overseas and the Total assets

of this bank are 1.723 Trillion dollars. This Bank is owned by Government of

People’s Republic of China and listed top in the Profitable Bank in the World.

3. Agricultural Bank of China

This Bank is the Public Finance Company, Agricultural Bank of China is the

world’s largest Bank by Total number of employees, main office situated in

Beijing in China and founded in 1951. This Bank has 441,144 employees, it has

over 24,000 branches.

2. China Construction Bank

This is the fourth largest bank in the world situated in the Beijing of China

founded in 1954 also one of the most profitable bank in the world with profit of

19.92 billion. China Construction Bank has 311,222 employees in china and

worldwide, the total asset of this bank is 1.64 Trillion Dollars. This Bank has

13,629 domestic branches and it maintains overseas branches in the cities of

main some countries. China Construction Bank is second largest in the world by

Market Capitalization.

1. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China

This is the Second Largest Bank in the world by total number of employees, the

Total employees working in ICBI banks are 394,801. The Total asset of this bank

is 2.04 trillion dollars, net income – 24.39 Billion. The ICBC Bank headquartered in

Beijing in China which is founded in 1984. This Banks served its services

worldwide with over 18,000 outlets and 106 overseas branches. It is also the

largest bank in the world by Profit and Capitalization.

Top 10 banks in Africa

10. Credit populaire du Maroc (Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire): 

At number 10 of the richest banks in Africa is this major Moroccan bank and has assets worth over $27.662bn and maintains offices in the following countries:  Germany, England, Canada, Spain, France, Gibraltar, Netherlands and Belgium and more than 10,000 people employees. The bank group has about 11 financial institutions under it, 3.2 million customers and more than 1000 branches nationwide.

9. Banque Misr:

Founded in 1920, Banque Misr is an Egyptian bank that is worth about $29.436 in total assets. With such degree of funding, it qualifies as one of the 10 most capitalized banks in Africa.

8. Investec Bank:

Established in 1974, Investec Bank is an international specialist bank and asset manager that provides a diverse range of financial products and services to a niche client base in three principal markets, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia as well as certain other countries. Investec Bank is a major financial institution in South Africa but has gone to become a multinational financial giant with presence in the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland. Investec Bank is listed in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. It boasts of an asset base of more than $31.335bn and is among Answers Africa’s top 10 Banks.

7. Banque Exterieur d’Algerie (BEA):

Banque Exterieur d’Algerie (BEA) is an Algerian bank with a net worth of about $34.373bn. It is the only Angolan bank that made the list of top ten Banks in Africa. 

6. Attijariwafa Bank: 

Another Moroccan Bank in the list. Attijariwafa Bank is the largest bank in Morocco with headquarters in Casablanca and a net worth of over $40billion . It maintains business offices and branches in London, The Netherlands, Tunisia, Senegal,Paris, Shanghai,  Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Mauritania and Mali. It has been on the Casablanca Stock Exchange; listed since 1943.

5. National Bank of Egypt:

The national Bank of Egypt is worth over $50 Billion and is the oldest and largest bank in Egypt with presence in the United States, Johannesburg, Shanghai, Dubai. The excellent performance of this bank was commended by international rating agencies. Standard and Poor’s granted the Bank the same rating assigned to the Egyptian economy – i.e. (BB+) for foreign-currency long-term commitments and (B) for foreign-currency short-term commitments

4. Nedbank Group:

In what will be described as an all South African bank dominated top 4 richest banks, Nedbank sits at number 4. This heavily capitalized institution banking group is a bank holding company and one of the four largest banking groups in SA measured by assets, with a strong deposit franchise. Its principal banking subsidiary is Nedbank Limited. The company’s ordinary shares have been listed on JSE Limited since 1969 and on the Namibian Stock Exchange since 2007. Nedbank Group has over $80.11bn in assets.

3. First Rand Bank:

First Rand is headquartered in Johannesburg, this south African bank boasts of assets in excess of $94bn. It is one of the bank licensed by

the Reserve Bank of South Africa. The current bank group is an amalgamation of  First National Bank (South Africa), Rand Merchant Bank and Momentum Insurance & Asset Management.

2. Absa Group:

Absa Group is a subsidiary of Barclays Bank – a major global financial services provider. Barclays acquired Absa on May 2005, and is today the majority shareholder with a stake of 62.3%. in the Group. The bank is one of the top 4 largest consumer banks in South Africa. Founded in 1991, as of 30 June 2011, Absa Group had 718 billion shares in issue, 12, 3 million customers, 9288 ATMs nationwide and 36 535 permanent employees. Maintaining the number 2 position with a very high profit margin comes at a cost. Absa is noted as the most expensive bank with that apply the most charges when it comes to pay as you transact (PAYT).

1. Standard Bank Group:

Standard Bank Group is south Africa’s largest bank group with presence in 17 countries in Africa including Ghana and Nigeria and 30 countries around the world. Established in 1862, the bank has been waxing stronger. It is a subsidiary of the British Standard Bank. In the early 19th century, the bank was involved in the development and financing of gold and diamond fields in South Africa. The very first bank to open branch in the region of Johannesburg, Standard bank has a total assets in excess of $200 billion and more than 53,000 people working in the institution.

Investment banks

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is the corporate and investment banking division of Bank of

America.[2] It provides services in mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets,

lending, trading, risk management, research, and liquidity and payments management.[1] It was

formed through the combination of the corporate and investment banking activities of Bank of

America and Merrill following the acquisition of the latter by the former in January 2009.

Barclays Investment Bank (trading as Barclays, formerly Barclays Capital) is

a British multinational investment bank headquartered in London, United Kingdom and a division

of Barclays PLC. It provides financing and risk management services to large companies,

institutions and government clients. It is a primary dealer in U.S. Treasury securities and various

European Government bonds.

Barclays Investment Bank has offices in over 29 countries and since the acquisition of Lehman

Brothers' main U.S. division in September 2008, employs over 20,000 people, over 7,000 people

work in the IT division.[2] This has significantly increased Barclays Capital's presence in North

America.[3]

In mid-March 2012, the trading name of Barclays Capital was changed to simply 'Barclays', and

the name of the division was changed to 'Barclays Investment Bank'.[4]

BNP Paribas is one of the world's largest global banking groups, headquartered in Paris,[2] with

its second global headquarters in London.[3] It was formed through the merger of Banque

Nationale de Paris (BNP) and Paribas in 2000. In 2012, BNP Paribas was ranked

by Bloomberg and Forbes as the third largest bank in the world, as measured by total assets.[4][5]

BNP Paribas escaped the 2007–09 credit crisis relatively unscathed reporting a €3 billion net

profit for the year of 2008, and €5.8 billion for 2009, both years boosted by profits from trading in

its CIB (Corporate and Investment Banking) division.[6] BNP Paribas has one of the highest credit

ratings in its peer group with the long term debt of the group currently ranked A+ by S&P, A2 by

Moody’s and A+ by Fitch.[7]

The firm is a universal bank split into three strategic business units: Retail Banking, Corporate &

Investment Banking and Investment Solutions (which includes Asset Management, custodial

banking, and real estate services).[6]

BNP Paribas's four domestic markets are France, Italy, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It also has

significant retail operations in the United, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, and North Africa, as well as

large-scale investment banking operations in New York, London, Hong, and Singapore.[6]

In 2013 BNP Paribas was awarded the Bank of the Year award by The International Financing

Review ("IFR"), Thomson Reuters' leading financial industry publication. The IFR awards are a

key industry benchmark and Bank of the Year is the top honor awarded.[8][9][10]

Citigroup Inc. or Citi is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered

in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. Citigroup was formed from one of the

world's largest mergers in history by combining the banking giant Citicorpand financial

conglomerate Travelers Group in October 1998 (announced on April 7, 1998).[3][4][5] The year 2012

marks Citi's 200th anniversary. It is currently the third largest bank holding company in the United

States by assets.

Citigroup has the world's largest financial services network, spanning 140 countries with

approximately 16,000 offices worldwide. The company currently employs approximately 260,000

staff around the world, which is down from 267,150 in 2010, according to Forbes. [6][7] It also holds

over 200 million customer accounts in more than 140 countries. It is one of the primary

dealers in US Treasury securities.[8] According to Forbes, at its height Citigroup used to be the

largest company and bank in the world by total assets with 357,000 employees until the global

financial crisis of 2008.[9] Today it is ranked 20th in size under the Fortune 500 list. In

comparison, JPMorgan Chase, which is ranked 16th on the Fortune 500, is now the largest bank

in U.S. as of 2012.[10]

Credit Suisse Group AG is a Switzerland-based multinational financial services holding

company headquartered in Zurich that operates the Credit Suisse Bank and other financial

services investments. The company is organized as a stock corporation with four divisions:

Investment Banking, Private Banking, Asset Management, and a Shared Services Group that

provides marketing and support to the other three divisions.

Credit Suisse was founded by Alfred Escher in 1856 under the name Schweizerische

Kreditanstalt (SKA, English: Swiss Credit Institution) in order to fund the development of

Switzerland's rail system. It issued loans that helped create Switzerland's electrical grid and the

European rail system. It also helped develop the country's currency system and funded

entrepreneurship. In the 1900s Credit Suisse began shifting to retail banking in response to the

elevation of the middle-class and the growing popularity of savings accounts. Credit Suisse

partnered with First Boston in 1978. After a large failed loan put First Boston under financial

stress, Credit Suisse bought a controlling share of the bank in 1988. In the late 1900s, Credit

Suisse acquired Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, the Winterthur Group, Swiss Volksbank and Bank

Leu among others.

Deutsche Bank AG (literally "German Bank"; pronounced [ˈdɔʏtʃə ˈbaŋk]) is a German global

banking and financial services company with its headquarters in the Deutsche Bank Twin

Towers in Frankfurt, Germany. It employs more than 100,000 people in over 70 countries, and

has a large presence in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and the emerging markets. In 2009,

Deutsche Bank was the largest foreign exchange dealer in the world with a market share of 21

percent.[3][4]

Deutsche Bank has offices in major financial centres including London, New York

City, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, Moscow,

Sydney, Toronto, Istanbul, Madrid, Dublin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, São

Paulo, Dubai, Riyadh, Bangkok, Karachi, Belgrade, Manila and George Town (Cayman Islands).

The bank offers financial products and services for corporate and institutional clients along with

private and business clients. Services include sales, trading, research and origination of debt and

equity; mergers and acquisitions (M&A); risk management products, such

as derivatives, corporate finance, wealth management, retail banking, fund management, and

transaction banking.[5]

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is an American multinational investment banking firm that

engages in global banking, securities, investment management, and other financial

services primarily with institutional clients.

Goldman Sachs was founded in 1869 and is headquartered at 200 West Street in the Lower

Manhattan area of New York City, with additional offices in international financial centers. The

firm provides mergers and acquisitions advice, underwriting services, asset management,

and prime brokerage to its clients, which include corporations, governments and individuals. The

firm also engages inmarket making and private equity deals, and is a primary dealer in the United

States Treasury security market. It is recognized as one of the premier investment banks in the

world,[2][3] but has sparked a great deal of controversy over its alleged improper practices,

especially since the 2007–2012 global financial crisis.

HSBC Holdings plc is a British multinational banking and financial services organisation

headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It was founded in London in 1991 by The Hongkong

and Shanghai Banking Corporation to act as a new group holding company[1][2] The origins of the

bank lie in Hong Kong and Shanghai, where branches were first opened in 1865.[3] The HSBC

name is derived from the initials of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.[4]

It has around 7,200 offices in 85 countries and territories across Africa, Asia, Europe, North

America and South America, and around 89 million customers.[5] As of 31 December 2012 it had

total assets of $2.693 trillion, of which roughly half were in Europe, the Middle East and Africa,

and a quarter each in Asia-Pacific and the Americas.[6] As of 2012, it was the world's largest bank

in terms of assets and sixth-largest public company, according to a composite measure

by Forbes magazine.[7]

HSBC is organised within four business groups: Commercial Banking; Global Banking and

Markets (investment banking); Retail Banking and Wealth Management; and Global Private

Banking.[8]

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational banking and financial services holding

company. It is the largest bank in the United States by assets,[2] and as of 2012, it ranks as the

second largest bank in the world by assets. It is a major provider offinancial services, with assets

of $2.509 trillion and according to Forbes magazine is the world's second largest public company

based on a composite ranking.[3] The hedge fund unit of JPMorgan Chase is one of the largest

hedge funds in the United States.[4] It was formed in 2000, when Chase Manhattan

Corporation merged with J.P. Morgan & Co.[5]

The J.P. Morgan brand, historically known as Morgan, is used by the investment banking as well

as the asset management, private banking, private wealth management and treasury & securities

services divisions. Fiduciary activity within private banking and private wealth management is

done under the aegis of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.—the actual trustee. The Chase brand is

used for credit card services in the United States and Canada, the bank's retail banking activities

in the United States, and commercial banking. The corporate headquarters are in 270 Park

Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan, New York City, New York, and the retail and commercial bankis

headquartered in Chase Tower, Chicago Loop, Chicago, Illinois, United States.[5] Because of this,

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is considered to be a universal bank.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is an American multinational financial services corporation

headquartered in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.[4] Morgan

Stanley operates in 42 countries, and has more than 1300 offices and 60,000 employees.[5] The

company reports US$304 billion in assets under management or supervision.[3]

The corporation, formed by J.P. Morgan & Co. partners Henry S. Morgan (grandson of J.P.

Morgan), Harold Stanley and others, came into existence on September 16, 1935, in response to

the Glass-Steagall Act that required the splitting of commercial and investment banking

businesses. In its first year the company operated with a 24% market share (US$1.1 billion) in

public offerings and private placements. The main areas of business for the firm today are Global

Wealth Management, Institutional Securities, and Investment Management.

Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. (野村證券株式会社  Nomura Shōken Kabushiki-gaisha?, NSC) is

a wholly owned subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, Inc. (NHI), which forms part of the Nomura

Group. It plays a central role in the securities business, the Group's core business. Nomura is a

financial services group and global investment bank. Based in Tokyo and with regional

headquarters in Hong Kong, London, and New York, Nomura employs about 26,000 staff

worldwide. It operates through five business divisions: retail (in Japan), global markets,

investment banking, merchant banking, and asset management.

Established December 25, 1925 in Osaka, it is the oldest brokerage firm in Japan. It is named

after its founder Tokushichi Nomura II, a wealthy Japanese stockbroking tycoon. Boasting the

largest shares in all business divisions within the Japanese market and undisputed as the top

leading securities firm in Japan, the company is nicknamed "Gulliver". Nomura Securities

operates in Asia. In the USA it is known as Nomura Securities International and in EMEA it is

Nomura International plc.

RBC Capital Markets is a Canadian investment bank, part of the Royal Bank of Canada. With

more than 6,500 professionals, it operates out of 70 offices in 15 countries across North America,

the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. According to Bloomberg andThomson Reuters, they

ranked among the top 12 global investment banks.

UBS AG is a Swiss global financial services company headquartered in Basel and Zürich,

Switzerland. It provides investment banking,asset management and wealth management services

for private, corporate and institutional clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland.

The name "UBS" was originally an abbreviation for the Union Bank of Switzerland, but it ceased

to be a representational abbreviation after the bank's 1998 merger with Swiss Bank Corporation.[2] The company traces its origins to 1856, when the earliest of its predecessor banks was

founded.

UBS is the biggest bank in Switzerland, operating in more than 50 countries with about 63,500

employees globally as of 2012.[3] It is considered the world's largest manager of private wealth

assets, with over CHF2.2 trillion in invested assets,[4] a leading provider ofretail

banking and commercial banking services in Switzerland.

UBS suffered among the largest losses of any European bank during the subprime mortgage

crisis and the bank was required to raise large amounts of outside capital. In 2007, the bank

received a large capital injection from the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation,

which remains one the bank's largest shareholders.[5][6] The bank also received capital from the

Swiss government[7] and through a series of equity offerings in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Top 10 Investment Banks

List of Top Investment Banks worldwide:

Investment BankRevenue (in $B) Net Earnings (in $B) AUM (in $B)

Goldman Sachs 45.2 13.4 871

JP Morgan Chase 100.4 11.8 1219

Morgan Stanley 24.74 1.7 779

Citigroup 80.3 (1.6) 556

Bank of America 121 6.3 523

Barclays 31.8 10.3 1379

Lazard 1.53 (0.18) 98

Credit Suisse 31.05 7.9 384

Deutche Bank 25.3 4.96 181

UBS 24 (1.9) 159

Goldman Sachs: It was founded in 1869 & is global investment banking and securities firm which engages in investment banking, securities services, investment management and other financial services primarily with institutional clients. 

JP Morgan Chase: It is one of the oldest financial services firms in the world & has operations in 60 countries with assets of $2 trillion, the largest market capitalization & reports US$779 billion as assets under its management. 

Morgan Stanley: It is a global financial services provider & serving a diversified group of corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals with US$779 billion as assets under its management.

Citigroup: It is a major American financial services company based in New York, NY. & has the world's largest financial services network, spanning 140 countries with approximately 16,000 offices worldwide. 

Bank of America (Bank of America Merrill Lynch): It is a financial services company, the largest bank holding company in the United States, by assets, and the second largest bank by market capitalization. 

Barclays Capital: It is the 25th largest company in the world by Forbes Global 2000 (2008 list) and the fourth largest financial services provider in the world by Tier 1 capital ($32.5 billion). It is also the largest financial services provider globally with $3.7 trillion of assets. 

Lazard: It is a preeminent international financial advisory and asset management firm & is one of the world's largest investment banks having a cumulative value in excess of $1 trillion & more than 250 restructurings totaling over $350 billion in debtor assets. 

Credit Suisse: It was founded by Alfred Escher in 1856 & is organized into three divisions, Investment Banking, Private Banking, and Asset Management. 

Deutsche Bank: It is an international universal offering financial products and services like sales, trading, and origination of debt and equity; mergers and acquisitions (M&A); risk management products, corporate finance, wealth management, retail banking, fund management, and transaction banking.