Global Finance is a long-running international financial publication that annually recognises leading banks worldwide. DBS (originally the Development Bank of Singapore) is Singapore's largest bank and a major player across Asia. Winners are chosen based on performance, reputation and management excellence, with input from corporate financial executives, analysts and bankers.

The recognition marks a milestone for Asian banking, being the first time a Southeast Asian institution has topped the global corporate-banking category. For banking-exam aspirants, such awards are frequently asked, and DBS is also relevant to India as it operates here (including through DBS Bank India).