Saudi Arabia dominates the “30 Most Valuable Banks 2025” list by Forbes, with ten banks totaling $269 billion in market value. The region’s banking sector is poised for growth, influenced by economic diversification and rising non-oil activities. Al-Rajhi Bank retains its position as the most valuable bank, with others from the UAE and Qatar also ranking high.
Saudi Arabia has significantly influenced Forbes’ “30 Most Valuable Banks 2025” ranking, securing ten positions with an impressive combined market value of $269 billion. This amount accounts for nearly one-third of the total market capitalization of the listed banks, which stands at $600.8 billion. The United Arab Emirates follows with seven banks valued at $153.4 billion, and Qatar contributes six banks worth $76.7 billion. Morocco and Kuwait feature three and two banks respectively, with market values reaching $23.7 billion and $68.4 billion.
The banking sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) exhibits resilience and is anticipated to experience continued growth in 2025. Factors influencing this expansion include economic diversification, favorable financial conditions, and a projected economic growth rate of 3.5 percent linked to infrastructure initiatives and increased non-oil activities, according to a report by Ernst & Young. Forbes indicated that the list encompasses banks from seven countries, with a substantial 26 entries based in the Gulf region.
Al-Rajhi Bank has maintained its status as the region’s leading financial institution, boasting a market capitalization of $105.6 billion, which constitutes 17.6 percent of the total value of the 30 banks. It is succeeded by Saudi National Bank at $54.7 billion and First Abu Dhabi Bank from the UAE, valued at $43.7 billion. Further down the list, Qatar’s QNB Group and Kuwait Finance House occupy the fourth and fifth positions, with market values of $41.2 billion and $38.3 billion respectively.
The resilience of MENA’s banking sector is attributed to heightened interest rates and sustained oil prices. A report by Fitch Ratings published in 2024 affirmed that the region’s economic conditions have preserved liquidity levels, profitability, and robust capital buffers for most banks within the Gulf Cooperation Council. Forbes Middle East compiled these rankings based on publicly reported market values as of January 31, 2025, excluding subsidiaries of private companies, and adhered to the currency exchange rates as of that date.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s dominance in Forbes’ “30 Most Valuable Banks 2025” highlights the Kingdom’s significant contribution to the MENA banking sector, representing nearly one-third of the total market value. The outlook for the region’s banking sector remains optimistic, with growth driven by various economic factors. Al-Rajhi Bank leads as the most valuable bank in the region, showcasing the strength and stability of financial institutions within MENA.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
