The “World”s 50 Safest Banks 2009′ were selected through a comparison of the long-term credit ratings and total assets of the 500 largest banks around the world. Ratings from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch were used.

Here’s something to chew on: In a list of the world’s 50 safest banks, there is not a single Indian bank — despite the fact that Indian banking system was termed one of the most robust because it was not affected by the financial crises that hit banks across the globe. Be that as it may, bank stability seems to high on corporate and investor agenda now. And it is against this backdrop that the Global Finance magazine has published its 18th annual list of the world’s safest banks.

The dust seems to be settling now after two eventful years that witnessed many financial giants drop out of the top-50 safest banks list. Those banks that showed their grit amid an apparently insurmountable financial crisis topped the chart in this year’s ranking. At the same time, the big name banks that lost their safest bank ranking during the credit crunch are still absent from the list as they struggle to rebuild their credibility.

How the selection was made

The ‘World’s 50 Safest Banks 2009′ were selected through a comparison of the long-term credit ratings and total assets of the 500 largest banks around the world. Ratings from Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch were used. Global Finance has published its ‘World’s Safest Banks’ listing for 18 years and this ranking has become a recognised and trusted standard of creditworthiness for the entire financial world. Here’s the list of the world’s safest banks with an overview of the top 10.

KfW (Germany)

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Founded in 1948, KfW is a German government-owned development bank based in Frankfurt. The bank was formed after World War II as part of the Marshall Plan. Earlier, it went under the name: Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau, or Reconstruction Credit Institute. The bank’s revenue stood at Euro70.6 billion in 2008. Number of its employees stood at 4,228 in the same year. Recently, KfW tied up with the Industrial Development Bank of India to help Indian companies identify projects, fund them and help earn carbon credits. ( India Holidays )

Caisse des Depots et Consignations (France)

Created in 1816, Caisse des Depots et Consignations is a French financial organisation under the control of the Frnech Parliament. The Caisse des Depots consists of the public institution Caisse des Depots and its subsidiaries. Its subsidiaries are involved in the competitive area. It operates throughout France and in over 80 countries.