In a notable achievement for Tunisia's banking sector, two of its banks, Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) and Banque de Tunisie (BT), have been recognized as among the world's top performing banks by Forbes. This ranking, released on September 9, 2026, is a collaboration between Forbes and the research firm Statista. It evaluates banks based on objective financial indicators and audited data.
The Forbes ranking includes 500 banks from 89 countries, with a focus on their financial performance. To be considered, banks had to have over $3 billion in assets, engage in deposit collection and financing, publish audited financial statements, and provide comparable financial data for at least three consecutive years. The evaluation process involved assessing the banks' financial data from sources like S&P Capital IQ and verifying the information through document research and direct submissions from the banks.
The selection criteria for the ranking required banks to be evaluated across four key dimensions: profitability (30%), growth and quality of results (20%), capital and financing resilience (25%), and asset quality and efficiency (25%). To ensure a fair analysis, the banks were segmented into six categories based on the size of their balance sheet. This rigorous evaluation process underscores the credibility of the rankings.
BIAT and BT have secured respectable positions in their respective categories. BIAT is ranked 28th in the "Tier 5 – Lower Mid-Size Banks" category, which includes banks with $10 to $20 billion in assets. This category consisted of 115 banks, with the top spot held by a Danish bank. Meanwhile, BT is ranked 52nd in the "Tier 6 – Small Banks" category, which includes banks with $3 to $10 billion in assets.
The performance of BIAT and BT highlights their resilience and solid financial management. Their rankings reflect their strong capital ratios, operational efficiency, and ability to navigate challenging global economic conditions. These achievements demonstrate the stability and risk management capabilities of Tunisian banks on the international stage.
The Forbes ranking includes 22 African banks from 13 countries, spread across four categories. Egypt and Kenya are the most represented African countries, each with four banks. Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia follow, with two banks each. Globally, the United States has the highest number of banks in the ranking, with 160 out of the 500 selected.
The top spots in the category for banks with over $500 billion in assets are held by two Singaporean banks, with OCBC leading the way, followed by DBS Group. China's representation in the ranking is limited, with only 26 banks included. The recognition of BIAT and BT in this prestigious ranking is a significant milestone for Tunisia's banking sector.
Key points
- Two Tunisian banks, BIAT and BT, have been ranked among the world's top performing banks by Forbes.
- The ranking evaluates banks based on objective financial indicators and audited data, with 500 banks from 89 countries included.
- BIAT and BT secured respectable positions in their categories, reflecting their strong financial performance and resilience.
