THE WORLD'S BEST BANKS

A growing global economy made it somewhat easier to be a banker in the past 12 months, as credit risks generally declined and demand for banking services was brisk. The skills of the world s bankers are being tested at present, however, as a weaker underwriting environment is forcing greater reliance on advisory and other fees, including those from mergers and acquisitions. Ironically, it is the banking industry itself that is making the biggest contribution to M&A activity, as industry consolidation continues apace in many countries.

The winners this year are those banks that attended carefully to their customers' needs and accomplished enviable results while preparing for an uncertain future. Our selections begin with the half-dozen truly global banks that provide the best banking services in these specific sectors: corporate, retail, private, asset management, custody and investment banking. Global Finances editorial team also identified the best bank in 97 countries.