Alpha Bank has warned that its potential merger partner Eurobank is more exposed to a Greek sovereign haircut, but the picture among both banks' foreign subsidiaries is a little different.

Out of the top five international financial centres with the largest aggregate volume of bank assets, a mix of European, Asian and North American centres occupy the top places in both the ranking that considers bank holdings incorporated in a certain jurisdiction, and the one of foreign-owned subsidiaries operating in the centre.

Latin American banks dominate the rankings for deposits with the central bank, providing large liquidity cushions in their countries if needed.

The market share of state-owned banks has grown at the top end of Russia’s banking sector, but private sector consolidation suggests this might be about to change.

Foreign direct investment into the eurozone’s financial centres has been in decline since the onset of the region’s crisis. However, thanks to some encouraging government policies, Dublin has defied the trend, attracting its highest ever level of FDI in 2011.

Banks in emerging markets appear to run greater risks to achieve greater returns. But they may just be more conservative in assessing their risks.

Foreign direct investment into the eurozone's financial centres has been in decline since the onset of the region's crisis. However, thanks to some encouraging government policies, Dublin has defied the trend, attracting its highest ever level of FDI in 2011.