HSBC's annual profits have risen 15% to £13.8 billion, the largest profit so far this year from a Western bank.
The results from Europe's biggest bank are in marked contrast to the multi-billion dollar losses posted by its UK rivals last week.
The bank makes about 90% of its profits outside the UK.
The BBC reports that the bank singled out its strong performance in faster-growing markets, in Asia and Latin America, as well as Africa and the Middle East.
HSBC has not escaped the controversy in the UK over big bonuses for top executives.
Payments were cut after the bank had to compensate customers who were mis-sold insurance and investments.
However group chief executive Stuart Gulliver still received a total pay award of £7.2 million, made up of a £1.2 million salary, a £2.2 million bonus and long-term incentives of £3.75 million.
