What is the general definition of the term 'Big Four' in the banking industry?

The 'Big Four' is a common, informal name given to the four primary banks in various countries where the banking sector is largely controlled by these four institutions. This term highlights their significant influence and market presence.

Are there variations to the 'Big Four' terminology in different countries?

Yes, some countries include more or fewer institutions in their top banking rankings, leading to alternative terms such as 'Big Three,' 'Big Five,' or 'Big Six' to describe their dominant banking groups.

Which central banks are traditionally referred to as the 'Big Four Banks' internationally?

Internationally, the term 'Big Four Banks' has traditionally referred to the Bank of England, the Federal Reserve (United States), the Bank of Japan, and the European Central Bank. These institutions play crucial roles in global monetary policy and financial stability.

When was the Bank of England established, according to the provided information?

The Bank of England, one of the internationally recognized 'Big Four' central banks, was established in 1694. It serves as the central bank of the United Kingdom.

What year marks the inception of the Federal Reserve in the United States?

The Federal Reserve, often referred to as 'The Fed,' was established in the United States in 1913. It functions as the central banking system of the United States.

In what year was the Bank of Japan founded?

The Bank of Japan, a key international central bank, was founded in 1882. It is the central bank of Japan.

When did the European Central Bank begin its operations?

The European Central Bank, which manages the euro and implements economic and monetary policy for the Eurozone, was established in 1998.

Which banks constitute Australia's 'big four banks' and what defines their dominance?

In Australia, the 'big four banks' are ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank (NAB), and Westpac. They have historically dominated the country's banking industry in terms of market share, revenue, and total assets, reflecting their significant economic influence.

What is the 'four pillars policy' in Australia, and how has it been maintained?

The 'four pillars policy' is a longstanding federal government policy in Australia aimed at maintaining the status quo of the four largest banks. This policy was upheld even during the Global Recession of 2008–09, as seen when Westpac acquired St George Bank and Commonwealth Bank acquired Bankwest, reinforcing the special status of the 'big four' by preventing mergers among them.

Name the 'Big Four' banks of Austria.

The 'Big Four' banks of Austria include Erste Bank / Sparkasse (which are credit unions operating under a common brand), UniCredit Bank Austria (formerly Bank Austria Creditanstalt), Raiffeisen Bankengruppe (also separate legal entities under a common brand), and BAWAG P.S.K. (formerly Österreichische Postsparkasse).

What led to the formation of Belgium's 'big four' banks?

The 'big four' banks of Belgium, which include KBC Bank, Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis, and ING Bank, are a result of national and international mergers that occurred in the early 1990s, consolidating the banking sector.

According to S&P Global in 2024, which banks are considered the 'Big Five' in Brazil, and what is notable about them?

In 2024, S&P Global identified the 'Big Five' banks in Brazil as Itaú Unibanco, Banco do Brasil, Banco Bradesco, Caixa Econômica Federal, and Santander Brasil. These five banks are also recognized as the five largest banks in Latin America, indicating their substantial regional influence.

What percentage of Cambodia's overall banking assets do its top three largest banks dominate as of 2020?

As of 2020, the top three largest banks in Cambodia—Canadia Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Advanced Bank of Asia (ABA)—dominate 39.1% of the overall banking assets. Canadia Bank holds the largest share at 14.2%, followed by ACLEDA Bank at 12.7%, and ABA at 12.2%.

How many banks dominate the Canadian banking sector, and which ones are known as the 'Big Five'?

There are six banks that dominate the Canadian banking sector. The 'Big Five' among these are Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Scotiabank (BNS), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). The sixth dominant bank is the National Bank of Canada.

Who are the 'Big Four' banks in the People's Republic of China, and when were they established?

The 'Big Four' banks in the People's Republic of China are Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC, established 1984), Bank of China (BOC, established 1912), China Construction Bank (CCB, established 1954), and Agricultural Bank of China (ABC / AgBank, established 1951).

By 1949, which state-owned banks were considered the 'Big Four' in China, and what larger group were they part of?

By 1949, the 'Big Four' state-owned banks in China were the Bank of China, the Bank of Communications, the Central Bank of China, and the Farmers Bank of China. Together with the Central Trust of China, Postal Savings and Remittance Bureau of China, and Central Cooperative Treasury of China, they were collectively known as the 'four banks, two bureaus, one treasury'.

Which are the top three largest banks in the Czech Republic?

The 'big three' banks in the Czech Republic are Česká spořitelna (a subsidiary of Erste Group), Československá obchodní banka (a subsidiary of KBC Bank), and Komerční banka (a subsidiary of Société Générale).

Name the four major banks listed for Estonia.

The four major banks listed for Estonia are LHV Pank, Luminor, SEB Pank, and Swedbank Estonia.

Which are the four prominent banks operating in Finland?

The four prominent banks operating in Finland are Danske Bank, Nordea, OP Financial Group, and Säästöpankkiryhmä (Savings bank group).

According to S&P Global in 2024, who are the 'Big Six' major banking groups in France, and what are their approximate assets?

In 2024, S&P Global identified the 'Big Six' major banking groups in France as BNP Paribas (2,594.14 EUR billion in assets), Crédit Agricole (2,476.43 EUR billion), Société Générale (1,553.81 EUR billion), BPCE Group (1,544.14 EUR billion), Crédit Mutuel (1,142.19 EUR billion), and La Banque postale (738.15 EUR billion).

Which banks are considered the 'Big Four' in Germany?

The 'Big Four' banks in Germany are Deutsche Bank, DZ Bank, KfW, and Commerzbank.

Who are the 'Big Four' banks in Greece?

The 'Big Four' banks in Greece are Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank.

Which banks are the four major banks in Hong Kong, and what is their status regarding note issuance?

The four major banks in Hong Kong are HSBC (Hong Kong), Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), and Hang Seng Bank. HSBC Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), and Bank of China (Hong Kong) are the three note-issuing banks in the region.

According to Global Retail Banking Cross-sell in 2015, which were the top three most popular banks in Hong Kong?

According to the Global Retail Banking Cross-sell conducted by RFi group in 2015, the top three most popular banks in Hong Kong were HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and Hang Seng Bank.

What are the 'Big Four' private sector banks in India?

The 'Big Four' private sector banks in India, based on total market capitalization, are HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Bank.

Which banks are considered the 'Big Four' public sector banks in India?

The 'Big Four' public sector banks in India, based on total market capitalization, are State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank.

In Indonesia, which are the four largest banks by total assets, even though the term 'big four' is not explicitly used?

As of 2018, the four largest banks by total assets in Indonesia are Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Central Asia (BCA), and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI). BRI, Bank Mandiri, and BNI are state-owned enterprises controlled by the central government.

Which banks are considered the 'big four' in Ireland by market capitalisation?

In Ireland, the 'big four' banks by market capitalisation are Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks, Permanent TSB, and Ulster Bank. It is noted that Ulster Bank withdrew from the Republic of Ireland market in 2023.

In Israel, which term is used instead of 'big four,' and who are these banks?

In Israel, the term 'big five' is used instead of 'big four.' These banks are Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, Israel Discount Bank, Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot, and First International Bank of Israel.

According to S&P Global in 2024, who are the 'Big Five' major banking groups in Italy?

In 2024, S&P Global identified the 'Big Five' major banking groups in Italy as Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, Banco BPM, BPER Banca, and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

Which term is used in Japan instead of 'big four,' and who are these financial groups and their main banks?

In Japan, the term 'big three' is used instead of 'big four.' These include Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (with MUFG Bank), Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, SMBC), and Mizuho Financial Group (with Mizuho Bank).

What are the affiliations and stock exchange listings of Japan's 'big three' financial groups?

Japan's 'big three' financial groups are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (as constituents of the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX Core30 indices) and the New York Stock Exchange via American depositary receipts. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group) are also listed on the Nagoya Stock Exchange and serve as the financial arms of their respective *keiretsu* (corporate groups).

Name the four largest banks in Kenya.

The four largest banks in Kenya are KCB Bank Kenya Limited, Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank, and NCBA Group.

Based on a 2019 consumer survey, which are the 'big four' retail banks in Latvia?

According to a consumer survey conducted in 2019, the 'big four' retail banks in Latvia are Swedbank, SEB, Citadele, and Luminor.

Which banks comprise the 'big four' in Lebanon, a country known for its banking secrecy laws?

In Lebanon, the 'big four' banks are Bank Audi, Byblos Bank, BLOM Bank (Banque du Liban et d'Outre-Mer S.A.L), and Fransabank. Lebanon has maintained banking secrecy laws since 1956, while also adopting international measures against money laundering.

What distinguishes the 'big four' full-service banks in Luxembourg from other larger banks in the financial center?

The 'big four' full-service banks in Luxembourg are Banque et Caisse d'Épargne de l'État (Spuerkeess), Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, BGL BNP Paribas, and ING Luxembourg. While there are larger banks in Luxembourg, these typically offer a limited number of services such as investment, private, or corporate banking, whereas the 'big four' provide a full range of services.

Who are the four major banks in Macau?

The four major banks in Macau are Bank of China, Macau Branch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau), Tai Fung Bank, and Luso International Banking.

According to the Central Bank of Malaysia, which are the five largest Malaysian banks by asset size?

According to the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), the five largest Malaysian banks by asset size are Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB Bank, and Hong Leong Bank.

According to S&P Global in 2024, which are the 'Big Four' banks in Mexico, and what is their ownership structure?

In 2024, S&P Global identified the 'Big Four' banks in Mexico as BBVA México (private, foreign-owned by BBVA), Banorte (private, Mexican-owned), Santander México (private, foreign-owned by Banco Santander), and Banamex (private, foreign-owned by Citibank).

Which four banks are considered the largest in Myanmar, according to Asia Times?

According to Asia Times, the four largest banks in Myanmar are Kanbawza Bank, Ayeyarwady Bank, CB Bank, and Yoma Bank.

Who are the 'big four' banks in the Netherlands by market concentration, and what is notable about ING Group?

The 'big four' banks in the Netherlands by market concentration are ING Group, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, and de Volksbank. ING Group is particularly notable as one of the world's largest multinational banking and financial service corporations, with products and services available in over 41 countries globally.

How do the 'big four' Australian banks influence the banking sector in New Zealand?

The 'big four' Australian banks significantly dominate the banking sector in New Zealand through their subsidiaries: ANZ Bank New Zealand, ASB Bank (a subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia), Bank of New Zealand (a subsidiary of National Australia Bank), and Westpac New Zealand (a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation). These subsidiaries collectively hold over 90% of gross loans and advances and nearly 90% of all mortgages in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, how do the profits of the 'Big Four' compare to other local banks?

The 'Big Four' Australian bank subsidiaries in New Zealand are massively profitable, sometimes even outperforming their Australian parent companies. For example, in the 2012/2013 financial year, the smallest of the Big Four, BNZ, made NZ$695 million in profit, while the next four largest New Zealand banks combined made less than 30% of BNZ's profit.

In Nigeria, which term is used instead of 'big four,' and what was the combined balance sheet of these banks in 2011?

In Nigeria, the term 'Big Five' is used instead of 'big four,' referring to the five banks dominating the banking world: Zenith Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA). In 2011, these top five banks had a combined balance sheet, including contingents, of 12.9 trillion naira (equivalent to $821 billion USD).

Which three banks dominate the banking market share in North Macedonia, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers?

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the three largest banks in North Macedonia—Komercijalna banka Skopje, Stopanska Banka, and NLB Tutunska—collectively dominate 60% of the banking market share.

Name the 'top six' banks in Pakistan.

The 'top six' banks of Pakistan are HBL, Meezan Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah, MCB Bank Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, and United Bank.

Which are the 'big four' banks in Peru?

In Peru, the 'big four' banks are Banco de Crédito del Perú, BBVA Perú, Scotiabank (a subsidiary of the Canadian bank), and Interbank.

Which are the four largest banks in the Philippines in terms of total assets as of December 2024, even though the term 'Big Four' is not explicitly used?

As of December 2024, the four largest banks in the Philippines in terms of total assets are Banco de Oro, Land Bank of the Philippines, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Metrobank.

Who are the 'big four' banks in Romania, and what is notable about Banca Transilvania and CEC Bank?

The 'big four' banks in Romania are Banca Comercială Română (now part of the Erste Group), Banca Transilvania (the biggest bank owned by private investors with domestic capital), BRD – Groupe Société Générale (formerly Romanian Bank for Development), and CEC Bank (the state-owned bank, formerly Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni).

Which banks are considered the largest by operations and assets in Russia?

The largest banks by operations and assets in Russia include Sberbank, VTB Bank, Alfa-Bank, Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank), Gazprombank, and Otkritie FC Bank.

Global Financial Titans

An academic exploration into the dominant banking institutions shaping national and international financial landscapes.

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Defining the 'Big Four'

Colloquial Dominance

The term "Big Four" is a colloquial designation for the four principal banks in various countries where the banking sector is significantly concentrated among a few key institutions. This phrase highlights the substantial market share, revenue, and total assets these entities command, making them pivotal to their respective national economies.^[1]

Variations in Scope

While "Big Four" is common, the actual number of dominant institutions can vary by country, leading to terms such as "Big Three," "Big Five," or even "Big Six." These variations reflect the unique competitive landscapes and regulatory environments of different financial markets.

Market Concentration

The prevalence of "Big Four" structures underscores a high level of market concentration within the banking industry. This concentration can have profound implications for competition, financial stability, and consumer choice, often leading to specific governmental policies aimed at managing their influence.

Global Central Banks

International Influence

Beyond national commercial banks, the term "Big Four Banks" has historically been applied to a select group of central banks whose monetary policies and financial stability operations have a profound international impact. These institutions are critical in shaping global liquidity and economic conditions.^[2]

The traditionally recognized "Big Four" central banks are:

Official Name	Short-form Name	Year of Inception
Bank of England	BOE	1694
Federal Reserve (United States)	The Fed	1913
Bank of Japan	BOJ	1882
European Central Bank	ECB	1998

National Dominance

Across the globe, various nations exhibit a concentrated banking sector, often referred to as their "Big Four," "Big Five," or "Big Six" banks. These institutions play a critical role in their respective economies.

Australia

Australia's banking industry has been historically dominated by four major banks, a status maintained by the federal government's "four pillars policy." This policy reinforces their special status, even through significant mergers and acquisitions.^[3]^[4]

Official Name	Short-form Name	Year of Inception
ANZ Bank		1835
Commonwealth Bank	CommBank	1911
National Australia Bank	NAB	1858
Westpac		1817

Austria

Austria's banking landscape is characterized by its own "Big Four," including both traditional banks and significant credit union groups operating under common brands.^[6]

Erste Bank / Sparkasse (credit unions)
UniCredit Bank Austria (formerly Bank Austria Creditanstalt)
Raiffeisen Bankengruppe (Austria)
BAWAG P.S.K. (formerly Österreichische Postsparkasse)

*Separate legal entities operating under a common brand.

Belgium

Belgium's "Big Four" banks emerged from a series of national and international mergers in the early 1990s, consolidating the market among a few powerful players.^[7]

KBC Bank, including its CBC Banque subsidiary and KBC Brussels brand
Belfius, a government-owned bank
BNP Paribas Fortis, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas
ING Bank, a subsidiary of the ING Group

Brazil

Brazil's banking sector is dominated by a "Big Five," which also rank among the largest banks in Latin America, reflecting their significant regional influence.^[8]

Rank	Bank	Total Assets (USD B)	Ownership	Year of Incorporation
1	Itaú Unibanco	555.72	Private	2008 (merger of Itaú and Unibanco; Itaú founded in 1945)
2	Banco do Brasil	447.72	State-owned	1808
3	Banco Bradesco	394.76	Private	1943
4	Caixa Econômica Federal	377.29	State-owned	1861
5	Santander Brasil	237.66	Private (Foreign-owned by Banco Santander)	1982

Cambodia

In Cambodia, the top three largest banks collectively hold a substantial portion of the overall banking assets, indicating a concentrated market structure.^[9]

Canadia Bank
ACLEDA Bank
Advanced Bank of Asia

Canada

The Canadian banking sector is dominated by six major institutions, with five of these often referred to as the "Big Five." These banks have a significant presence across the country.^[1]

Official Name	Short-form Name	Year of Inception
Royal Bank of Canada	RBC	1864
Toronto-Dominion Bank	TD	1955
Scotiabank	BNS	1832
Bank of Montreal	BMO	1817
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce	CIBC	1961
National Bank of Canada	NBC	1928

China

In the People's Republic of China, the "Big Four" banks are state-owned giants that form the backbone of the nation's financial system. Their scale is immense, often surpassing the Tier 1 capital of major banks in developed countries.^[10]

The "Big Four" Banks:

Official Name	Short-form Name	Chinese Name	Year of Inception
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China	ICBC	中国工商银行	1984
Bank of China	BOC	中国银行	1912
China Construction Bank	CCB	中国建设银行	1954
Agricultural Bank of China	ABC / AgBank	中国农业银行	1951

Other Major Banks in China:

Beyond the "Big Four," China hosts numerous other banks with significant capital, reflecting the vastness of its financial market.

Official Name	Short-form Name	Chinese Name	Year of Inception
Bank of Communications	BOCOM / BankComm	交通银行	1908
China Merchants Bank	CMB	招商银行	1987
Postal Savings Bank of China	PSBC	中国邮政储蓄银行	2007
Industrial Bank (China)		兴业银行	1988
China CITIC Bank		中信银行	1987
Shanghai Pudong Development Bank	SPDB	上海浦东发展银行	1992
China Minsheng Bank		中国民生银行	1996
Ping An Bank		平安银行	1987
Hua Xia Bank		华夏银行	1992

Colombia

Colombia's banking sector features ten significant service networks, with the top institutions holding substantial net assets.^[13]^[14]

Name	Description	Year	Net Assets (COP billions)
Banco de Bogotá	Largest private bank	2017	3,600
Bancolombia	Private bank	2017	2,600
Banco Davivienda	Private bank	2017	1,204
Banco de Occidente Credencial	Private bank	2017	933
BBVA Colombia	Private bank	2017	346
Banco Agrario de Colombia	State-owned bank	2017	339
Banco Colpatria	Private bank	2017	254
Banco Caja Social	Private bank	2017	238
Citibank Colombia	Private bank	2017	172
Banco Popular	Private bank	2017	156

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic's banking market is primarily served by its "Big Three" institutions, each a subsidiary of larger European financial groups.^[15]

Česká spořitelna, subsidiary of Erste Group
Československá obchodní banka, subsidiary of KBC Bank
Komerční banka, subsidiary of Société Générale (formerly part of State Bank of Czechoslovakia)

Estonia

Estonia's banking sector is characterized by four prominent banks, including local and Nordic-owned institutions.

LHV
Luminor
SEB
Swedbank Estonia

Finland

Finland's financial landscape is shaped by its "Big Four" banks, which include both domestic and international players.

Danske Bank
Nordea
OP Financial Group
Säästöpankkiryhmä (Savings bank group)

France

France's banking industry is dominated by a "Big Six" group of major banking entities, each holding substantial assets and playing a significant role in the European financial market.^[16]

Bank	Assets (EUR billion)	Year of Incorporation
BNP Paribas	2,594.14	2000
Crédit Agricole	2,476.43	1894
Société Générale	1,553.81	1864
BPCE Group	1,544.14	2009
Crédit Mutuel	1,142.19	1882
La Banque postale	738.15	2006

Germany

Germany's banking sector is characterized by its "Big Four" institutions, which include both commercial and development banks.

Deutsche Bank
DZ Bank
KfW
Commerzbank

Greece

Greece's financial system is anchored by its "Big Four" banks, which are central to the nation's economic stability and development.

Alpha Bank
Eurobank
National Bank of Greece
Piraeus Bank

Hong Kong

Hong Kong's banking landscape features four major banks, with three of them holding the unique status of note-issuing banks, reflecting their critical role in the financial hub.^[17]

Bank	Chinese Name	Year of Incorporation
HSBC (Hong Kong)	香港上海滙豐銀行	1865
Bank of China (Hong Kong)	中國銀行(香港)	2001
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong)	渣打銀行(香港)	1859
Hang Seng Bank	恒生銀行	1933

HSBC Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), and Bank of China (Hong Kong) are the three note-issuing banks. Hang Seng and HSBC Hong Kong are both under the common ownership of London-based HSBC Holdings plc.

India

India's diverse banking sector includes distinct "Big Four" groups for both private and public sector banks, reflecting the dual nature of its financial system.^[18]

Big Four Private Banks in India:

HDFC Bank
ICICI Bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Axis Bank

Big Four Public Sector Banks in India:

State Bank of India
Punjab National Bank
Bank of Baroda
Canara Bank

Indonesia

While not explicitly using the "Big Four" term, Indonesia's banking sector is dominated by four largest banks by total assets, with several being state-owned enterprises.^[19]

Official Name	Short-form Name	Year of Inception
Bank Rakyat Indonesia	BRI	1895
Bank Mandiri		1998
Bank Central Asia	BCA	1957
Bank Negara Indonesia	BNI	1946

BRI, Bank Mandiri, and BNI are all controlled by the central government as state-owned enterprises.

Ireland

In Ireland, the "Big Four" refers to the largest banks by market capitalization, though the landscape has seen changes with some international entities withdrawing from the market.^[20]^[21]

Bank of Ireland
Allied Irish Banks^[22]
Permanent TSB
Ulster Bank – a wholly owned subsidiary of NatWest Group, which withdrew from the Republic of Ireland market in 2023.

Israel

Israel's banking sector is characterized by a "Big Five" rather than a "Big Four," comprising institutions that have played a foundational role in the nation's economic development.^[23]

Bank	Hebrew Name	Year of Incorporation
Bank Leumi	בנק לאומי	1921
Bank Hapoalim	בנק הפועלים	1921
Israel Discount Bank	בנק דיסקונט לישראל	1935
Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot	בנק מזרחי טפחות	1992 (formed by merger)^[24]
First International Bank of Israel	הבנק הבינלאומי	1972

Italy

Italy's financial landscape is shaped by its "Big Five" major banking groups, which are significant players within the Eurozone.^[25]

Bank	Assets (EUR billion)	Year of Incorporation
Intesa Sanpaolo	965.13	2007 (formed by merger)^[26]
UniCredit	789.24	1998
Banco BPM	202.13	2017 (formed by merger)^[27]
BPER Banca	142.13	1867
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena	122.61	1472

Japan

In Japan, the term "Big Three" is commonly used to refer to the nation's most influential financial groups, often called "city banks," which are integral to the Tokyo and New York Stock Exchanges.^[28]^[29]

Financial Group	Bank	Japanese Name	Year of Incorporation
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group	MUFG Bank	三菱UFJ銀行	2005
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group	Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)	三井住友銀行	2002
Mizuho Financial Group	Mizuho Bank	みずほ銀行	2000

Kenya

Kenya's banking sector is dominated by its "Big Four" institutions, which are key players in the East African financial market.

KCB Bank Kenya Limited
Equity Bank
Co-operative Bank
NCBA Group

Latvia

Based on consumer surveys, Latvia's retail banking market is primarily served by its "Big Four" institutions, reflecting their widespread presence and customer base.^[30]

Swedbank
SEB
Citadele
Luminor

Lebanon

Lebanon's financial sector, known for its banking secrecy laws, is led by its "Big Four" banks, which attract significant international investment.^[31]

Bank Audi (founded in 1830, ranked on Forbes Global 2000)
Byblos Bank (founded in 1950)
BLOM Bank: Banque du Liban et d'Outre-Mer S.A.L (founded in 1951)
Fransabank (founded in 1921)

Luxembourg

As a prominent financial center, Luxembourg's "Big Four" full-service banks are crucial to its economy, offering a comprehensive range of services.^[32]

Banque et Caisse d'Épargne de l'État (Spuerkeess), state-owned bank
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
BGL BNP Paribas
ING Luxembourg

Macau

Macau's financial market is characterized by its four major banks, which play a significant role in the region's economy.^[33]

Bank of China, Macau Branch
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau)
Tai Fung Bank
Luso International Banking

Malaysia

The Central Bank of Malaysia identifies five largest Malaysian banks by asset size, which collectively dominate the nation's financial sector.^[34]

Bank Name	Year of Inception
Maybank	1960
CIMB	2006
Public Bank	1966
RHB Bank	1997
Hong Leong Bank	1965

Mexico

Mexico's "Big Four" banks are prominent institutions within Latin America, with a mix of foreign and domestically owned entities shaping its financial landscape.^[35]

Bank	Total Assets (USD B)	Ownership	Year of Incorporation
BBVA México	197.29	Private (Foreign-owned) by BBVA	1932
Banorte	134.56	Private (Mexican-owned)	1899
Santander México	108.40	Private (Foreign-owned) by Banco Santander	1932 (as Banco Mexicano) / 1997 (became part of Santander)
Banamex	93.92	Private (Foreign-owned) by Citibank	1884

Myanmar

Myanmar's financial sector is significantly influenced by its four largest banks, which are key to the nation's economic activities.^[36]

Kanbawza Bank
Ayeyarwady Bank
CB Bank
Yoma Bank

Netherlands

The Netherlands' banking market is highly concentrated among its "Big Four" institutions, with the ING Group being a multinational leader.^[37]^[38]

Official Name	Year of Inception
ING Group	1991
Rabobank	1898
ABN AMRO	1991
de Volksbank	1817

New Zealand

New Zealand's banking sector is largely dominated by the subsidiaries of Australia's "Big Four" banks, which collectively hold over 90% of gross loans and mortgages in the country.^[39]^[40]^[41]

ANZ Bank New Zealand (ANZ), a subsidiary of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
ASB Bank (ASB), formerly Auckland Savings Bank, a subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), a subsidiary of the National Australia Bank
Westpac New Zealand (WBC), formerly WestpacTrust, a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation

These subsidiaries are highly profitable, often outperforming their Australian parent companies.^[44]

Nigeria

In Nigeria, the term "Big Five" is used to describe the five banks that significantly dominate the nation's banking world, holding a substantial combined balance sheet.^[49]

Zenith Bank
First Bank of Nigeria
Guaranty Trust Bank
Access Bank
United Bank for Africa (UBA)

North Macedonia

North Macedonia's banking market is highly concentrated, with its three largest banks collectively dominating 60% of the market share.^[50]

Komercijalna banka Skopje
Stopanska Banka
NLB Tutunska

Pakistan

Pakistan's financial sector is led by its "top six" banks, which are key institutions in the country's economic landscape.^[51]

HBL
Meezan Bank Limited
Bank Alfalah
MCB Bank Limited
National Bank of Pakistan
United Bank

Panama

Panama's banking industry is characterized by its "Big Four" institutions, which are central to the nation's financial services.

Banco General
Banistmo
Banco Nacional
BAC Credomatic

Peru

In Peru, the "Big Four" banks are the leading financial institutions, playing a crucial role in the country's economy.^[52]

Banco de Crédito del Perú
BBVA Perú
Scotiabank (a subsidiary of the Canadian bank)
Interbank

Philippines

The Philippines' banking sector is dominated by its four largest banks in terms of total assets, which are key players in the nation's financial system.^[53]

Banco de Oro
Land Bank of the Philippines
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Metrobank

Romania

Romania's banking system, comprising nearly 40 banks, is significantly influenced by its "Big Four" institutions, including both local and foreign-owned entities.

Banca Comercială Română, now part of the Erste Group
Banca Transilvania, the biggest bank detained by private investors with domestic capital
BRD – Groupe Société Générale, formerly known as Romanian Bank for Development
CEC Bank, the state-owned bank, formerly known as Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni

Russia

Russia's banking sector is characterized by several large institutions that dominate operations and assets, playing a crucial role in the national economy.

Bank	Russian Name	Year of Incorporation
Sberbank	Сбербанк	1841
VTB Bank	Банк ВТБ	1990
Alfa-Bank	Альфа-Банк	1990
Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank)	Россельхозбанк	2000
Gazprombank	Газпромбанк	1990
Otkritie FC Bank	Банк «ФК Открытие»	1992

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's financial landscape is shaped by its "Big Five" banks, which are significant players in the Middle Eastern banking sector.^[54]

Official Name	Arabic Name	Year of Inception
Saudi National Bank	البنك الوطني السعودي	1953
Al Rajhi Bank	مصرف الراجحي	1957
Riyad Bank	بنك الرياض	1957
Saudi Awwal Bank	البنك السعودي الأول	1978
Banque Saudi Fransi	بنك سعودي فرنسي	1977

Singapore

Singapore's financial hub is dominated by its "Big Three" banks, which are major players in Southeast Asian finance and hold substantial assets.^[55]

Bank	Assets (USD billion)	Subsidiary Bank	Year of Incorporation
DBS Bank	461.0	POSB Bank	1968 (DBS), 1877 (POSB)
OCBC Bank	435.1	Bank of Singapore	1932
United Overseas Bank	396.4		1935

South Africa

South Africa's financial sector is characterized by its "Big Four" banks, ranked by asset value, which are central to the nation's economy.^[56]

FirstRand Bank, operators of First National Bank.
Standard Bank
Absa Group Limited, majority owned by Barclays between 2005 and early 2018
Nedbank, minority-owned by Old Mutual.

South Korea

South Korea's banking industry is dominated by its "Big Six" financial groups, which include major commercial and industrial banks.^[57]

Financial Group	Bank	Korean Name	Year of Incorporation
KB Financial Group	Kookmin Bank (KB)	국민은행	1963
Shinhan Financial Group	Shinhan Bank	신한은행	1982
Hana Financial Group	Hana Bank	하나은행	1967
Woori Financial Group	Woori Bank	우리은행	2002
Industrial Bank of Korea	(IBK)	기업은행	1961
Nonghyup Bank	(NH Bank)	NH농협은행	2012

Spain

As of September 2021, Spain's "Big Four" banks are key players in the Iberian and broader European financial markets.^[58]

Official Name	Short-form Name	Year of Inception
Banco Santander	Santander	1857
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria	BBVA	1857
Caixabank	Caixabank	2011
Banco Sabadell	Sabadell	1881

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's banking sector includes leading state-owned, privately-owned, and foreign-owned banks, reflecting a diverse financial landscape.^[59]

State-owned banks:

Bank of Ceylon
National Savings Bank
People's Bank

Privately owned banks:

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
Sampath Bank PLC
Hatton National Bank PLC
National Development Bank PLC

Leading foreign-owned banks:

HSBC Sri Lanka
Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka
State Bank of India, Sri Lanka

Sweden

Sweden's financial market is significantly influenced by its "Big Four" banks, which are major players in the Nordic region.^[60]^[61]

Svenska Handelsbanken
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken
Swedbank
Nordea

Switzerland

Switzerland, a global financial hub, has its "Big Four" banks that are central to its renowned banking industry.

Official Name	Year of Inception
UBS	1998
Raiffeisen Bank	1899
Zurich Cantonal Bank (ZKB)	1870
PostFinance	1906

Taiwan

Taiwan identifies seven "systemic banks" that are crucial to its financial stability and economic operations.^[62]^[63]

Bank	Chinese Name	Year of Incorporation
CTBC Bank	中國信託商業銀行	1966
Bank of Taiwan	臺灣銀行	1946
Mega International Commercial Bank	兆豐國際商業銀行	1992
Taipei Fubon Bank	台北富邦銀行	1963
Taiwan Cooperative Bank	臺灣合作金庫銀行	1923
First Commercial Bank	第一商業銀行	1899
Cathay United Bank	國泰世華商業銀行	1975

Thailand

Thailand's banking sector is dominated by its "Big Six" banks, which are significant institutions in the country's financial landscape.^[64]

Bank	Acronym	Thai Name	Year of Incorporation
Siam Commercial Bank	SCB	ธนาคารไทยพาณิชย์	1906
Kasikornbank	KBank	ธนาคารกสิกรไทย	1945
Krungthai Bank	KTB	ธนาคารกรุงไทย	1966
Bangkok Bank	BBL	ธนาคารกรุงเทพ	1944
TMBThanachart Bank	TTB	ธนาคารทหารไทยธนชาต	1957 (formed by merger)^[64]
Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri)	BAY	ธนาคารกรุงศรีอยุธยา	1945

Turkey

Turkey's banking sector features both dominant state-owned and privately-owned banks, each holding significant market share and contributing to the nation's financial stability.^[66]

State-owned banks:

Ziraat Bank
Halkbank
VakıfBank

Privately-owned banks:

Garanti BBVA
Akbank
Yapı Kredi
Türkiye İş Bankası

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates' financial landscape is shaped by its "Big Five" banks, which are leading institutions in terms of total assets within the region.^[67]^[68]

First Abu Dhabi Bank
Emirates NBD
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank
Mashreq

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's retail banking sector is dominated by its "Big Four" High Street groups, which have a pervasive presence across England, Wales, and the UK as a whole.^[69]^[70]

England and Wales and UK as a whole:

Official Name	Year of Inception
HSBC UK	1865
Barclays UK	1690
Lloyds Bank	1765
NatWest Group	1968

Scotland:

Royal Bank of Scotland (NatWest Group)
Bank of Scotland (Lloyds Banking Group)
Clydesdale Bank (trading as Virgin Money UK)
TSB Bank (Banco Sabadell)^[71]

Northern Ireland:

Bank of Ireland
Ulster Bank (NatWest Group)
Northern Bank (trading as Danske Bank)
Allied Irish Banks.

United States

In the United States, the "Big Four" banks hold a significant portion of all U.S. customer deposits and possess trillions in assets, making them central to the nation's financial system.^[74]^[75]^[76]

Name	Headquartered In	Chartered In
JPMorgan Chase	New York City	Columbus, Ohio
Bank of America	Charlotte, North Carolina
Citigroup	New York City	Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Wells Fargo	San Francisco	Sioux Falls, South Dakota

While Citigroup's retail banking arm, Citibank, has fewer branches than U.S. Bank and PNC Bank, Citigroup itself maintains significantly larger total assets.^[77]^[78]

Vietnam

Vietnam's financial sector is significantly influenced by its four major banking groups, which collectively manage a substantial portion of public deposits and outstanding loans nationwide.^[79]^[80]

Vietcombank
Agribank
BIDV
Vietinbank

Historical Evolution

China's Early Banking Giants

Historically, the concept of "Big Four" banks in China has evolved. During the 1920s, the term referred to the "Four Northern Banks," which were the most capitalized commercial banks in Northern China. These were contrasted with the "Three Southern Banks."^[11]

By 1949, a new set of "Big Four" state-owned banks emerged, alongside other key financial institutions, forming what was known as the "four banks, two bureaus, one treasury."^[12]

Yien Yieh Commercial Bank
Kincheng Banking Corporation
Continental Bank
The China & South Sea Bank

By 1949, the "Big Four" were:

Bank of China
Bank of Communications
Central Bank of China
Farmers Bank of China

UK's Clearing Bank Legacy

In the United Kingdom, prior to 1970, the phrase "Big Five" was used to denote the largest UK clearing banks in England and Wales. These institutions were responsible for clearing bankers' cheques and held significant influence.^[72]

The original "Big Five" included:

Barclays Bank
Midland Bank (now HSBC UK Bank)
Lloyds Bank (now part of Lloyds Banking Group)
National Provincial Bank
Westminster Bank

The merger of Westminster Bank, National Provincial Bank, and District Bank in 1970 to form National Westminster Bank (now part of NatWest Group) led to the adoption of the "Big Four" terminology that is still in use today.^[73]

Thailand's Colonial Banking Past

Before the Siamese Revolution of 1932, Thailand's banking system was largely controlled by foreign powers, particularly a "Big Four" group of European banks that established their presence in the region.^[65]

The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank (now HSBC) in 1888
The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China (now Standard Chartered Bank Thailand) in 1894
Banque de l'Indochine (now Banque Calyon, a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole) in 1897
Mercantile Bank of India (now Citibank Thailand, a subsidiary of Citigroup) in 1923

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References

Yao Sui: Chinese Finance History, High Education Publisher in 2007, Beijing. (in Chinese: ãä¸å½éèå²ãï¼å§é ä¸»ç¼ï¼é«çæè²åºçç¤¾ï¼2007å¹´ç)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Big Four (banking) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not financial advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional financial consultation, investment advice, or banking services. Always refer to official financial institution documentation and consult with qualified financial professionals for specific banking or investment needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Global Financial Titans

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Defining the 'Big Four' ℹ️

📊 Colloquial Dominance

🔢 Variations in Scope

📈 Market Concentration

Global Central Banks 🏛️

🌍 International Influence

National Dominance 🌐

🇦🇺 Australia

🇦🇹 Austria

🇧🇪 Belgium

🇧🇷 Brazil

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🇨🇳 China

The "Big Four" Banks:

Other Major Banks in China:

🇨🇴 Colombia

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🇩🇪 Germany

🇬🇷 Greece

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

🇮🇳 India

Big Four Private Banks in India:

Big Four Public Sector Banks in India:

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🇱🇺 Luxembourg

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🇵🇭 Philippines

🇷🇴 Romania

🇷🇺 Russia

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇿🇦 South Africa

🇰🇷 South Korea

🇪🇸 Spain

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

State-owned banks:

Privately owned banks:

Leading foreign-owned banks:

🇸🇪 Sweden

🇨🇭 Switzerland

🇹🇼 Taiwan

🇹🇭 Thailand

🇹🇷 Turkey

State-owned banks:

Privately-owned banks:

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

England and Wales and UK as a whole:

Scotland:

Northern Ireland:

🇺🇸 United States

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Historical Evolution 📜

🇨🇳 China's Early Banking Giants

🇬🇧 UK's Clearing Bank Legacy

🇹🇭 Thailand's Colonial Banking Past

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the 'Big Four'

Colloquial Dominance

Variations in Scope

Market Concentration

Global Central Banks

International Influence

National Dominance

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Cambodia

Canada

China

Colombia

Czech Republic

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kenya

Latvia

Lebanon

Luxembourg

Macau

Malaysia

Mexico

Myanmar

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nigeria

North Macedonia

Pakistan

Panama

Peru

Philippines

Romania

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Historical Evolution

China's Early Banking Giants

UK's Clearing Bank Legacy

Thailand's Colonial Banking Past

Teacher's Corner

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Gamer's Corner

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References

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Important Notice