DBS is 5th most valuable bank brand in APAC: study

Its brand value rose 56% to $17.2b.

DBS is the fifth most valuable bank brand in APAC and 17th globally, according to the latest Banking 500 ranking by Brand Finance released in March 2025.

Singapore’s biggest bank by assets saw its brand value rise 56% to US$17.2b over the past year and is the sole Southeast Asian representative in the Top 20 list of the world’s 500 most valuable banking brands.

Value growth was supported by its higher net interest income, increased card fees, and wealth management and loan-related income gains.

Brand Finance is a London-headquartered brand valuation consultancy company. It reportedly conducts over 6,000 brand valuations each year.

Brand valuation is computed by estimating likely future revenues attributed to a brand by calculating a royalty rate that would be charged for its use. The method is compliant with ISO 10668, Brand Finance said.

OCBC, UOB in Top 70
Both OCBC and UOB also made it to the Top 70 of the global rankings, with OCBC at 61st place and UOB at 65th place.

OCBC’s brand value went up 28% to US$6.4b, climbing seven positions from its 2024 ranking.

The brand’s growth was driven by an increase in its interest income, supported by higher assets and improved returns on loans, Brand Finance said.

UOB’s brand value rose 9% to US$6.1b. However, it fell seven places in rank. Its brand value has steadily grown, spurred by its recent acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking businesses, Brand Finance said.

Brand strength
Separately, Bank of Singapore made its debut as the fifth strongest banking brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 94.7/100, Brand Finance said.

Although its brand value is lower than the Big Three— BoS’ brand value is $847m, according to Brand Finance— it has “very high levels of familiarity” and consideration within its home market, which significantly raised its BSI.

The 41% surge in brand value amongst Singapore’s top banks underscores the sector’s resilience and strategic adaptability, said Alex Haigh, managing director, Asia-Pacific at Brand Finance, commented:

"Bank of Singapore’s debut among the world’s strongest banking brands reinforces the importance of brand familiarity and customer trust in driving long-term value,” Haigh said.

As competition intensifies, sustained investment in innovation, customer engagement, and brand strength will be key to maintaining this upward trajectory, he added.

ICBC on top
Chinese banking brands continue to dominate the brand value ranking, with ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) retaining its position as the most valuable banking brand in the world for the ninth consecutive year, growing 10% to US$79.1b.

UK neobank Revolut is the fastest-growing banking brand globally, with a 795% increase in brand value to $1.9b. Brand Finance attributed this to its supposedly strong revenue growth, customer expansion, and significant marketing investment.

In terms of strength, Indonesia’s BCA retains its top spot, with a BSI score of 97.1/100. The ranking reinforces the growing strength of local and regional banks, Brand Finance said.