World's best bank: BNP Paribas is that rarity – a large bank actually delivering on its promises to stakeholders. It is producing better returns even than many of the US banks, despite being anchored in a low-growth home region, building capital and winning customers – all while proving the benefits of a diversified business model. Its cadre of loyal, long-serving senior executives look to have got the strategy right: staying the course in Asia and the US and running global customer franchises, but only in the select services it excels at.