As of April of 2009, China owned the three largest banks in the world (in terms of market capitalization). Due to the global financial crisis, this ownership is the direct result of China's newfound economic power among diplomatic nations. It is important to keep in mind that these rankings can change on a daily basis.
ICBC
With a market capitalization of 169.6 billion United States dollars, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is recognized as the largest bank in the world. Unlike many of the failing banks resulting from the economic crisis, ICBC has consistently held this position for multiple years.
China Construction Bank
China Construction Bank holds a market capitalization of 118.4 billion USD, as of April 2009. Unfortunately, compared with the ICBC and Bank of China, this number has dropped the most percentage-wise (-7.7 percent) since December of 2008.
Bank of China
Bank of China has, out of all three of China's banks, gained the most in the equity market since the beginning of the financial crisis. Holding a market capitalization of 103.2 billion USD, Bank of China's capitalization value had increased by 5.1 percent (at 98.2 billion USD) in December of 2008.
Largest Financial Services Company
When Bank of America invested 50 billion USD in Merrill Lynch (in September 2008), it became the largest financial services company in the world. Regardless, as of April 2009, it was not even globally ranked as having one of the top 10 market values - falling from a capitalization of 70.6 billion USD in December of 2008.
Largest Bank Building in the World
The largest bank in the world, in terms of height, is the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong. Reaching 1,000.7 feet in height, with two masts that drive to 1,205.4 feet, it is recognized as the 16th largest skyscraper in the world. The Bank of China Tower includes 72 floors, and was completed in 1990.
