Forbes Magazine Recognizes Four Arkansas Banks Among the World’s Best

The Arkansas Bankers Association congratulates four Arkansas banks for making the Forbes magazine’s “World’s Best Banks” list. The publication released its second-annual list of the “World’s Best Banks” on June 8.

In total, 23 countries were represented on the list with 450 banks making the cut. Four Arkansas banks featured in the Top 25 of list include Arvest Bank, headquartered in Lowell; Centennial Bank, headquartered in Conway; Bank OZK headquartered in Little Rock and Simmons Bank, headquartered in Pine Bluff.

Arvest Bank was the top-rated Arkansas bank of those in the United States, with a ranking of number seven among the country’s banks and this marks the second consecutive year Arvest has received the honor, Bank OZK was ranked number 16, Simmons Bank was ranked number 19 and Centennial Bank was ranked at number 22.

Lorrie Trogden, President/CEO of the Arkansas Bankers said, “What a distinguished spotlight for the state of Arkansas to have four banks in the top 25 of the Forbes list. I am incredibly proud of the investment all Arkansas banks give to support the economic growth, health and vitality of their communities. Our banks have over 26,000 dedicated employees who are passionate about serving the needs of individual and business customers throughout the state, it’s this commitment to Arkansas that gives the state some of the top banks in the world.”

Candace Franks the State Bank Commissioner stated, “As Arkansas Bank Commissioner, I salute our four Arkansas banks named in the top 25 of Forbes Best Banks 2020. This recognition is for outstanding customer service and satisfaction which are traits we have in common throughout our Arkansas banking industry. Congratulations and I am so proud of our Arkansas banks!"

Alisha Curtis, Chief Communications and Legislative Director of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, commented, “Arkansas has a great reputation for having among the most influential banks that conduct business at a very high level all over the world,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Arkansas’ economic environment is conducive to facilitating growth in the financial services sector. Our regulatory burden is not excessive and with our accommodating economic infrastructure, it makes Arkansas a great place from which to do business. I congratulate these four banks for being among the world’s best.”

According to Forbes, the rankings were based on “general satisfaction and key attributes like trust, fees, digital services and financial advice.” Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to conduct surveys and more than 40,000 surveys were conducted with banking customers from around the world.