By market capitalization, Santander is now the largest bank in mainland Europe, surpassing UBS Group. The Spanish bank's stock price soared this year, reaching a market capitalization of 91 billion euros. At the same time, UBS's stock price plummeted, and the valuation shrunk to 86 billion euros. The bank faced the possibility that Switzerland would drastically increase its capital requirements. The UK's HSBC Holdings remains Europe's largest bank, with a market capitalization of £139 billion. Bank stocks are still the best performing sector in Europe since this year. The Stoxx 600 bank index rose 15%, while the overall benchmark index remained flat.

By market capitalization, Santander is now the largest bank in mainland Europe, surpassing UBS Group. The Spanish bank's stock price soared this year, reaching a market capitalization of 91 billion euros. At the same time, UBS's stock price plummeted, and the valuation shrunk to 86 billion euros. The bank faced the possibility that Switzerland would drastically increase its capital requirements. The UK's HSBC Holdings remains Europe's largest bank, with a market capitalization of £139 billion. Bank stocks are still the best performing sector in Europe since this year. The Stoxx 600 bank index rose 15%, while the overall benchmark index remained flat.