Banca Transilvania remains world’s third-strongest bank brand in new global ranking

New data from Brand Finance reveals that three Romanian banks feature in top 500, all see notable brand value increases. The cumulative value of the brand value for these three banks (BT, BCR and BRD) is USD 1.5 billion.

The total brand value of the world’s 500 most valuable banking brands has surged by 13% year-on-year to reach USD1.6 trillion, marking the first double-digit increase in four years, according to the latest report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. This follows two years of sluggish 2% brand value growth and reflects the banking sector’s ability to sustain momentum despite market volatility.

Banca Transilvania (brand value up 39% to USD955 million) remains the most valuable Romanian banking brand and the third strongest in the world (and particularly the strongest European banking brand), noting a 3-point increase in its brand strength index (BSI) score to 95.3/100.

Consequently, Banca Transilvania brand has climbed 27 ranks to 225^th position in this year’s Banking 500 ranking. This growth is driven by strategic investments, enhanced customer engagement, and a strong focus on digital transformation, including the integration of artificial intelligence. As of 2025, Banca Transilvania is the first Romanian bank to integrate AI in customer communication and processes, further strengthening its market leadership.

Mihai Bogdan, Managing Director, Brand Finance Romania, commented,

„Banca Transilvania standing as the world’s third-strongest bank brand highlights that local brands can successfully compete with international peers by building strong relationships with customers. By relentlessly focusing on customer engagement and investing in innovation, Banca Transilvania has bolstered consumer loyalty and cemented its position as a market leader. This is reflected in its exceptional scores for familiarity, reputation, and consideration, according to Brand Finance research.”

BCR (brand value up 28% to USD285 million) and BRD (brand value up 19% to USD266 million) have also climbed 44 and 28 ranks respectively in the Banking 500 ranking, reflecting their strategic efforts to strengthen their market presence and underscoring the resilience and growing competitiveness of the Romanian banking sector.

Chinese banking brands continue to dominate the 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 USD79.1 billion. 

China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China complete the top four.

Digital-first challenger banks are now seeing the benefits of years investment into building their brands. UK neobank Revolut is the fastest-growing banking brand globally, with a 795% increase in brand value to USD1.9 billion, driven by significant marketing investment, customer expansion and new market entry.

Indonesia’s BCA retains its title as the world’s strongest banking brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 97.1/100 and an elite AAA+ rating. The ranking reinforces the growing strength of local and regional banks, with many in Asia and Africa excelling in customer trust and digital innovation.

Annie Brown, Valuation Director at Brand Finance, commented: „The high-interest rate environment in many major economies has undoubtedly driven growth in banking brand values, boosting profits and share prices in 2024. However, longer-term brand value growth is being shaped by four key trends: regulation, digital innovation, a shift towards fee-based income over interest margins, and a renewed focus on brand building to sustain competitive advantage.”

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Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 6,000 of the world’s biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 500 most valuable and strongest banking brands are included in the Brand Finance Banking 500 2025 report.

Brand value is understood as the net economic benefit that a brand owner would achieve by licensing the brand in the open market. Brand strength is the efficacy of a brand’s performance on intangible measures relative to its competitors. The full ranking, additional insights, charts, more information about the methodology, and definitions of key terms are available in the Brand Finance Banking 500 2025 report.