China’s ICBC still world’s most valuable bank brand: study

Brand value went up 10% during the year.

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) remains the world’s most valuable banking brand for the ninth consecutive year, according to a study by Brand Finance.

ICBC’s brand value went up 10% to $79.1b as of 2025, and leas over 70 Chinese banking brands included in the Banking 500 list published in March 2025, the brand valuation consultancy firm said.

China Construction Bank followed, with its brand value climbing 19% to $78.4b during the year.

The Agricultural Bank of China and the Bank of China ranked third and fourth. ABC saw its brand value rise 16% to $70.2b, whilst Bank of China’s brand value edged up 26% to $63.8b, according to Branch Finance.

Aggressive expansions tied to Chinese state initiatives has enabled these banks to expand aggressively, said Scott Chen, managing director, Brand Finance China.

"Four out of the top five Chinese banking brands benefit from strong state support, allowing them to expand aggressively and align with national economic priorities such as infrastructure projects, Belt and Road Initiative investments, and real estate development,” Chen said.

“Flexible regulatory policies further enable these banks to sustain high growth despite economic uncertainties. With consumer trust still recovering from the 2023 banking crisis, Chinese banks continue to demonstrate resilience by maintaining stability and strengthening their global presence,” he added.

China Merchants Bank ranked 10th globally, with its brand value rising 6% to $28.3b.

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.