Throughout 2024 and into early 2025, U.S. banks consistently maintained a strong return on equity, surpassing ** percent each quarter. In the first quarter of 2025, ROE reached ***** percent, signaling continued recovery from past economic disruptions. This performance underscores the resilience of the banking sector during challenging periods - ranging from the 2007–2008 financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic - and highlights the industry's ability to adapt to economic volatility and evolving regulatory landscapes.

The European Union's banking industry experienced significant fluctuations in its return on equity (ROE) over the past two decades. After a sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector witnessed a remarkable recovery and growth. The ROE rebounded from a low of 2.31 percent in 2020 to 6.77 percent in 2021, followed by a further increase to 7.3 percent in 2022. By 2024, the ROE reached an impressive 9.34 percent, marking the highest level since 2007.

In the first quarter of 2025, JPMorgan Chase led the largest U.S. banks in terms of return on equity (ROE), reporting an impressive ***** percent. Morgan Stanley secured the second position with a ROE of ***** percent. Goldman Sachs followed in the ranking, with a ROE of ***** percent.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Indonesia (DDEI06IDA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, Indonesia, banks, and depository institutions.

Bank return on equity (%, after tax) in United States was reported at 12.52 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Bank return on equity (%, after tax) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

The return on equity (ROE) of European banking sectors showed significant disparities in the last quarter of 2024, with Romania leading at **** percent and Liechtenstein trailing at *** percent. This wide range reflects the diverse financial landscapes across the continent, influenced by factors such as market conditions, regulatory environments, and economic stability. While ROE is a crucial indicator of banking efficiency, it's important to consider it alongside other metrics for a comprehensive view of the industry's health. Digital transformation reshaping European banking The banking sector in Europe is undergoing a digital revolution, with online banking penetration reaching impressive levels. In 2024, Denmark lead with a ***** percent penetration rate, closely followed by Norway at **** percent. This shift towards digital banking is not only changing how traditional banks operate but also paving the way for the rise of digital-only banks. Neobanks like Revolut have seen rapid growth, with the UK-based fintech reaching ** million users by November 2024, highlighting the increasing consumer preference for digital financial services. Consolidation and asset growth in European banking Despite the high number of banks operating in Europe, with ***** institutions in the EU as of December 2024, the industry is dominated by a few large players. In 2023, HSBC Holdings lead European banks with total assets exceeding *** trillion U.S. dollars in 2023, followed closely by BNP Paribas SA with over *** trillion U.S. dollars. This concentration of assets among top banks, coupled with the ongoing digital transformation, suggests a trend towards consolidation in the European banking sector, potentially impacting future ROE figures across the continent.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Switzerland (DDEI06CHA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2020 about ROE, Switzerland, banks, and depository institutions.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for India (DDEI06INA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, India, banks, and depository institutions.

Georgia Commercial Banks: Return on Equity (ROE) data was reported at 31.217 % in Jun 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 29.384 % for Mar 2023. Georgia Commercial Banks: Return on Equity (ROE) data is updated quarterly, averaging 15.967 % from Mar 2001 (Median) to Jun 2023, with 90 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 37.331 % in Sep 2021 and a record low of -64.423 % in Mar 2020. Georgia Commercial Banks: Return on Equity (ROE) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bank of Georgia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Georgia – Table GE.KB015: Financial Soundness Indicators: Commercial Banks.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Oman (DDEI06OMA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about Oman, ROE, banks, and depository institutions.

Brazil Return on Equity - ROE data was reported at 14.560 % in Dec 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 15.320 % for Nov 2018. Brazil Return on Equity - ROE data is updated monthly, averaging 15.765 % from Jan 2001 (Median) to Dec 2018, with 216 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.160 % in Mar 2008 and a record low of -2.860 % in Jun 2001. Brazil Return on Equity - ROE data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.KBA001: Banking System: Financial Stability. This indicator comprises information from Consolidated Bank I and II. Consolidated Banking I is the sum of the accounting positions of Banking Conglomerate I and Independent Banking Institutions I. Independent Banking Institutions I are Financial Institutions such as Commercial Bank, Multiple Bank with Commercial Portfolio or Savings Bank that are not part of a conglomerate; the Bank Conglomerates I are Conglomerates composed of at least one institution of the Commercial Bank type or Multiple Bank with Commercial Portfolio. Consolidated Banking II is the sum of the accounting positions of Banking Conglomerate II and Independent Banking Institutions II. The Independent Banking Institutions II are Financial Institutions of the type Multiple Bank without Commercial Portfolio and Investment Bank, that do not integrate conglomerate; Bank Conglomerates II may not contain Commercial Banking and Multiple Bank Commercial Portfolio institutions, and are composed of at least one institution of the Multiple Bank type without a Commercial Portfolio or Investment Bank.

Armenia Banking System: Return on Equity data was reported at 9.680 % in Nov 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 9.405 % for Oct 2018. Armenia Banking System: Return on Equity data is updated monthly, averaging 9.460 % from Jan 2005 (Median) to Nov 2018, with 167 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.195 % in Jan 2005 and a record low of -6.645 % in Jan 2010. Armenia Banking System: Return on Equity data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Armenia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Armenia – Table AM.KB017: Banking System: Return on Assets and Return on Equity.

Bank return on equity (%, before tax) in Nigeria was reported at 12.63 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Bank return on equity (%, before tax) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Bank of America's return on equity (ROE) - calculated by dividing net income by shareholders' equity - fluctuated significantly between 2007 and 2024. The ROE was 8.65 percent in 2024, down from 8.71 percent in 2023. In the observed period, the ROE of the bank was the highest in 2021, and the lowest in 2010, at negative 1.56 percent.

Bank return on equity (%, before tax) in India was reported at 13.91 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Bank return on equity (%, before tax) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

United States FDIC Commercial Banks: Return on Equity data was reported at 11.147 % in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.044 % for Sep 2024. United States FDIC Commercial Banks: Return on Equity data is updated quarterly, averaging 10.377 % from Dec 2001 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 93 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.530 % in Dec 2003 and a record low of -10.150 % in Dec 2008. United States FDIC Commercial Banks: Return on Equity data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.KB: Performance and Condition Ratios.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Chile (DDEI06CLA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, Chile, banks, and depository institutions.

Bank return on equity (%, after tax) in United Kingdom was reported at 7.0255 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United Kingdom - Bank return on equity (%, after tax) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Bank return on equity (%, after tax) in Japan was reported at 3.5617 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Bank return on equity (%, after tax) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2025, four of the five largest U.S. banks reported an increase in return on equity (ROE) compared to the previous quarter. JPMorgan Chase led the group with a ROE of ***** percent, followed by U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo. However, Wells Fargo experienced a slight decline in its ROE early in the year.