Leading Sub-Custodian Banks Globally in the Year 2025

In the world of finance, sub-custodian banks are playing a crucial role in navigating operational and regulatory complexities for institutional investors across various markets. This year marks the 23rd recognition of World's Best Sub-Custodian Banks across seven regions and 83 countries, territories, and districts.

These banks have distinguished themselves through a focus on innovation and client service. They continue to refine their business models through ongoing investment in technology and data analytics. This investment is helping them streamline documentation requirements for greater efficiency, reduce manual processes through automation, and enhance collateral and liquidity management.

The move to T+1 trade settlement is testing sub-custodians, but they are rising to the challenge. The reduction in trade settlement timeframe to T+1 is a significant development in many countries, requiring close collaboration between sub-custodians and the sector. Sub-custodians advocate for clients within the evolving market infrastructure, providing robust custody systems and effective post-trade execution.

Sub-custodians are particularly crucial in emerging and frontier markets where infrastructure is less developed. Their services are critical mechanisms for institutional investors seeking to operate in global capital markets. Local sub-custodians are essential in attracting capital to these jurisdictions.

In addition to their core services, sub-custodians are also working on customizing solutions further and developing new services to meet the evolving needs of their clients. They aim to provide operational efficiencies, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance, while also focusing on workflow improvements and regulatory compliance.

While the winners of this year's recognition have been announced, no specific information is available about which banks were recognized in 2025 as the best in sub-custody by focusing on innovation and highest customer service across different regions and countries. However, it is clear that the banks continue to focus on these priorities in 2025, as they did in 2025.

In conclusion, sub-custodian banks are essential players in the global financial landscape, providing critical services for institutional investors in a rapidly evolving market. Their focus on innovation, client service, and operational efficiency is helping to drive the industry forward.