In 2025, private banking in the Americas is more dynamic than ever. U.S. giants are expanding digital and ESG capabilities, while Latin American institutions strengthen regional expertise. This ranking highlights the most trusted private banks serving high-net-worth clients across the Western Hemisphere.
A New Era for Private Banking in the Americas
The private banking landscape across the Americas has undergone significant transformation. Clients today demand more than portfolio management — they expect integrated solutions covering estate planning, philanthropy, credit, and digital innovation.
In 2025, leading banks in the United States and Latin America are reshaping their value propositions, focusing on transparency, sustainability, and personalized service. The following ranking reflects both financial performance and client trust, based on available public data, market reputation, and independent wealth management surveys.
Top Private Banks in the United States (2025 Edition)
1. J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Headquarters: New York, USA
Why It Leads:
J.P. Morgan continues to dominate the U.S. private banking sector with over USD 2.2 trillion in client assets. It offers unparalleled global reach, advanced digital platforms, and deep expertise in philanthropy and next-generation planning. Its multi-family office advisory team has expanded across Miami and Los Angeles, catering to cross-border families from Latin America and Asia.
2. Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Headquarters: New York, USA
Key Strengths:
Morgan Stanley’s edge lies in its powerful research division and integration with investment banking. In 2025, it launched new ESG-aligned portfolios and direct investment opportunities for UHNW clients. Its “NextGen Investing” program remains a top draw for young inheritors.
3. Citi Private Bank
Headquarters: New York, USA
What Sets It Apart:
With more than 60 offices globally, Citi Private Bank positions itself as a bridge between continents. Its “Global Client Service Model” enables HNWIs to manage assets seamlessly across jurisdictions, particularly between the U.S., Latin America, and Asia.
4. Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust)
Headquarters: Charlotte, USA
Highlights:
Bank of America’s private division combines heritage with scale. In 2025, it invested heavily in AI-driven portfolio analytics and expanded its philanthropic consulting services. It remains a trusted choice for intergenerational family governance and charitable trusts.
5. Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management
Headquarters: New York, USA
Notable for:
Goldman Sachs focuses on ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, offering sophisticated alternative investments and co-investment opportunities. Its partnership with Apple Card and Marcus digital bank demonstrates how traditional finance and fintech can successfully merge.
Top Private Banks in Latin America (2025 Edition)
1. Itaú Private Bank (Brazil)
Why It Leads:
Itaú continues to dominate regional wealth management with strong onshore and offshore capabilities. Its wealth advisory arm in Miami and Zurich serves as a global bridge for Latin American clients. In 2025, Itaú launched sustainability-linked portfolios catering to family offices focused on impact investing.
2. BTG Pactual Wealth Management (Brazil)
Key Strengths:
Known for agility and innovation, BTG Pactual has rapidly grown across Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. It excels in alternative assets, private credit, and cross-border custody — appealing to entrepreneurs seeking diversification outside domestic markets.
3. Bradesco Private Bank (Brazil)
Highlights:
Bradesco continues to strengthen its digital private banking experience, offering clients real-time reporting tools and multi-currency account integration. The bank’s strong retail foundation also supports a steady pipeline of emerging HNWIs.
4. Banco de Bogotá Private Banking (Colombia)
Why It Stands Out:
Banco de Bogotá has modernized its wealth management division to meet global standards. Its partnerships with Swiss and U.S. custodians enable Colombian families to diversify internationally while remaining compliant under CRS and FATCA.
5. Banorte Private Banking (Mexico)
Unique Focus:
Banorte is rapidly growing its private banking unit, emphasizing personalized advisory and family governance education. It collaborates with major U.S. custodians to facilitate secure cross-border investment structures for Mexican clients.
Emerging Regional Players to Watch
In addition to the established leaders, several regional institutions are gaining traction:
- Scotiabank Wealth Management (Canada/Latin America): Bridging North and South American clients through its pan-continental network.
- BAC Credomatic Private Banking (Costa Rica): Expanding services to Central American entrepreneurs and family offices.
- Banco General (Panama): Positioning itself as the compliance-forward offshore hub of Latin America.
Trends Defining 2025 Private Banking in the Americas
- Sustainability and ESG Integration – Clients increasingly seek investments aligned with environmental and social impact.
- Technology and Digital Access – AI-driven dashboards, client apps, and remote onboarding are now industry standards.
- Succession and Governance – The largest wealth transfer in history is underway, with over USD 80 trillion expected to move to younger generations by 2045.
- Cross-Border Structuring – Family offices demand flexible, compliant ways to manage assets across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.
- Personalization at Scale – Private banks are blending data analytics with human insight to craft bespoke client experiences.
Conclusion
The private banking sector in the Americas is no longer dominated solely by legacy institutions. Regional innovation, digital transformation, and intergenerational wealth transfer are reshaping the field.
For clients, the choice of a private bank now depends less on prestige and more on trust, adaptability, and shared values. Whether in New York, Miami, São Paulo, or Panama City, 2025 marks the beginning of a new era — one defined by global connectivity and personal empowerment.
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About the Author
Marks Toms – Editor-in-Chief
Marks oversees editorial policy, compliance, and fact-checking at bankaccountsopen.
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