MUMBAI – HDFC Bank (brand value up 43% to USD13.4 billion) leads the cohort of 18 Indian banking brands collectively representing USD43.4 billion in brand value, according to the latest Banking 500 2025 journal by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.
HDFC Bank climbed 10 spots to place as the 24th most valuable banking brand in the global rankings, fuelled by improved profitability, sustainable deposit growth, and strategic investments in technology, positioning it for strong future expansion.
Meanwhile, State Bank of India (brand value up 15% to USD7.9 billion) ranks as the 24th strongest banking brand globally and remains as the only Indian bank with an AAA+ brand strength rating reflecting its legacy of over 100 years and phenomenal pan-India branch operations, reinforcing its position of being a ‘Banker to every Indian’ coupled with digital innovations. The brand also saw its Brand Strength Index (BSI) score rise to 89.7/100 from 88.3/100, reflecting its growing influence and resilience.
Axis Bank (brand value up 41% to USD3.6 billion) secures 98th place globally, marking a noteworthy 18-spot climb from 2024. The brand also strengthened its position with a modest rise in its BSI score to 83.7/100 while maintaining its AAA- brand strength rating.
While many Indian banking brands have made significant strides, RBL Bank (brand value down 42% to USD190 million) now ranks 493rd globally after a 107-place shift. The bank faced financial challenges, governance issues and branding inconsistencies, impacting investor sentiment and stock performance.
Ajimon Francis, Managing Director India, Brand Finance, commented:
“India’s banking sector continues to grow, with leading brands strengthening their positions through strategic investments in technology and capitalising on economic growth of India. HDFC Bank’s surge in brand value highlights its focus on profitability, digital innovation, efficient customer engagement and deposit growth. State Bank of India’s retention of its AAA+ brand strength rating and rising BSI score reflects strong market confidence and a solid foundation of being a highly trusted brand, having pan-India presence and digital recalibration that has enhanced customer experience. Meanwhile, RBL Bank saw a sharp decline in the ranking, underscoring the challenges of maintaining investor trust amid financial pressures.”
Other notable Indian banking brands featured in the Banking 500 2025 are:
ICICI Bank (brand value up 2% to USD4.6 billion)
Bank of Baroda (brand value up 23% to USD2.1 billion)
Union Bank of India (brand value up 9% to USD1.7 billion)
Indian Bank (brand value up 35% to USD972 million)
Bank of India (brand value up 15% to USD815 million)
IDBI Bank (brand value up 18% to USD585 million)
Banking Industry Global Insights
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. This follows two years of sluggish 2% brand value growth and reflects the banking sector’s ability to sustain momentum despite market volatility.
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.
UK neobank Revolut is the fastest-growing banking brand globally, with a 795% increase in brand value to USD1.9 billion, driven by strong revenue growth, customer expansion, and significant marketing investment.
Indonesia’s BCA retains its title as the world’s strongest banking brand, with a 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.
