Global Finance is proud to announce its selections for the World’s Best Banks 2026, including its honoree for the World’s Emerging Markets Best Bank, revealed here for the first time. The 2026 World’s Emerging Markets Best Bank is BBVA.
“BBVA has built a rare combination of scale, profitability and innovation in its emerging markets footprint. Its reach extends across more than 25 countries, and it has developed clear leadership among small businesses—a key customer base in emerging markets. In addition, the bank’s AI roadmap, payments innovations and smarter customer experiences demonstrate how a bank can scale technology responsibly,” said Joseph Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance. “For more than three decades, corporate and banking leaders have trusted Global Finance’s Best Bank Awards to identify financial partners that deliver superior capabilities, differentiated solutions and deep sector knowledge.”
Also being revealed here for the first time are the following global honorees: World’s Best Bank – Santander; World’s Best Corporate Bank – DBS Bank; World’s Best Consumer Bank – State Bank of India; and World’s Best Frontier Markets Bank – Ecobank.
Editorial Coverage of BBVA
The full World’s Best Bank report will be featured in Global Finance’s October print and digital editions, as well as online on GFMag.com.
Winners were selected based on performance over the past year and other criteria including reputation and management excellence. Global Finance’s editorial board made the selections with input from corporate financial executives, analysts and bankers throughout the world.
Global Finance will honour the World’s Best Banks 2026 on the morning of October 17th at the annual World’s Best Bank Awards Ceremony in Dusit Thani, Bangkok during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.
BBVA Recognitions throughout 2026
