Best bank in Asia
In 1999 this magazine described the fight for best bank in Asia as a battle royal between HSBC and Citi.
That year, HSBC won for a third year in a row. Domination for the Noughties looked assured. But in fact it was its main rival Citi that forged ahead, going on a winning streak in Asia that lasted 10 years. Citi then lost out to Standard Chartered in 2010 before winning back the title in 2011 and keeping it until last year when it did the double of best bank and best investment bank. That run comes to an end this year as a resurgent HSBC nudges Citi from its perch to take the award as the best bank in Asia.