Brand Finance: Romania’s Banca Transilvania Ranks amongst Top 3 Strongest Brands Worldwide

Banca Transilvania’s brand value increased by 34% compared to 2023 and reached USD 686.5 million, climbing 44 in the ranking to position 252.

Last year, the bank was ranked 297th with a value of $513 million.  Banca Transilvania entered the Brand Finance Banking 500 top in 2018, in 486th place, with a brand value of USD 174 million, as reported by nocash. It strengthens BT’s position in the best Romanian brands in 2023.

The combined value of the world’s top 500 most valuable banking brands has reached a record level of USD1.44 trillion, almost double what it was a decade ago, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.

According to the cited source, the Chinese banking sector is notably recovering, with the ‘big four’ banks remaining well ahead of their US counterparts. ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) maintains its position as the world’s most valuable banking brand for the eighth consecutive year, boasting a 3% rise in brand value to USD 71.8 billion. China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China secure second, third, and fourth positions, respectively, following single-digit percentage increases in each brand value.

Despite experiencing a minor decline (4%) in brand value, Bank of America retains the title as the leading US banking brand for the fourth consecutive year. It is ranked fifth overall, boasting a value of USD 37.3 billion. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo, positioned sixth overall, is narrowing the margin with its American competitor, marking a 9% increase to achieve a brand value of USD 35.8 billion.

As the world’s top banking brands reach new heights, China’s mega-banks dominate at the top brand value ranking. Another critical insight from our 2024 data is that local banks increasingly outshine their larger counterparts in brand strength. Dominant brands thrive in singular markets with limited competition, while banks expanding into multiple markets may successfully augment their brand value but risk diluting brand strength.

David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance

Only 11 of the top 50 countries experienced decreases in aggregate value, led by Russia (69%), Malaysia (20%), and Nigeria (14%). Unsurprisingly, due to the international sanctions imposed on Russia, the country’s two largest bank brands – VTB and SBER – have suffered the most significant falls in brand value by percentage, with 91% and 63% plunges, respectively.

Brand Finance’s research indicates that local and regional banks are performing as well as – and, in many cases, outperforming – global banks in terms of positioning their brand in the hearts and minds of customers. Indonesia’s BCA is the world’s strongest banking brand, with a Brand Strength Index score of 93.8/100 and an elite AAA+ rating. Three African brands, Equity Bank, First National Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Romanian Banca Transilvania, all rank amongst the top 5 strongest brands globally, earning AAA+ ratings.

According to the 2024 Brand Finance Banking 500 assessment, BT is one of the strongest banking brands in the world: it climbed to 3rd place from 7th place with an exceptional Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 92.3/100