Two other banking giants enter Kantar BrandZ's UK rankings
HSBC has secured the position of the UK’s most valuable brand for the first time, according to the latest Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable UK Brands report.
The bank’s brand value increased by 14% over the past year to reach US$21.6 billion (£16 billion), overtaking Vodafone, which now ranks second at US$18.5 billion (£13.8 billion).
Financial services firms feature prominently in this year’s rankings, with nine of the 10 fastest-growing brands coming from the sector. Barclays rose to seventh place, recording a 44% increase in brand value to US$8.6 billion (£6.4 billion). Halifax re-entered the ranking at number 60, with a brand value of US$1.1 billion (£0.8 billion).
The financial services sector’s strong performance contributed to the UK’s top 75 brands reversing last year’s decline, with total brand value rising by 8% in 2025. However, this growth remains behind the global average of 29%.
Other notable movements in the Most Valuable UK Brands rankings include BT climbing to fourth place with a 14% increase in value. Outside financial services, British Airways advanced 11 places to 55th, while Dettol entered the list at number 34. MoneySuperMarket also rejoined the ranking at position 75.
Research conducted by Kantar and the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School indicates that companies with strong brand equity tend to achieve higher share price returns and are more resilient during periods of uncertainty. The findings suggest that brands which differentiate themselves and align with consumer needs are best placed for long-term growth, whether through product innovation, expansion into new categories, or enhanced digital experiences.
Kantar’s analysis indicates that while UK brands are generally well recognised and meet consumer needs, many struggle to stand out from competitors. This lack of differentiation is seen as a barrier to further growth. The report estimates that UK brands are missing out on US$10 billion (£7.45 billion) in potential value due to a reliance on short-term marketing and insufficient investment in brand building.
“We know strong brands perform better, are more resilient and grow faster in the long run,” said Jodie Gillary (pictured right), head of brand activation at Kantar Insights UK and Ireland. “And this isn’t just theory – our data shows that brand perceptions really can move the needle commercially.
“It’s a tough time for the industry and, with pressure on margins right now, marketers are being pushed to do more with less. But the reality is that almost half of the UK’s most valuable brands aren’t seen positively enough to justify charging a higher-than-average price for their category, so it’s never been more important for businesses to grasp the financial imperative of investing in considered brand building.”
The report also highlights the importance of ongoing disruption for brand value growth. Globally, brands that have consistently challenged their markets have generated significant additional value since 2006. However, UK disruptor brands have seen their value decline by 19% since 2019, suggesting a need for sustained innovation rather than one-off changes.
“A continued focus on disruption is crucial to standing out from the competition,” Gillary said. “British brands are at risk of being too polite to be bold. They can and should be braver.”
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