DBS Bank, Singapore's largest bank by assets, has for the first time ranked as the most valuable brand in the city-state in 2013, moving up from its number 3 spot in 2012.

The distinction was noted in the annual "Top 100 Singapore Brands" list by Brand Finance, the UK-based firm that specialises in global brand and asset valuation consultancy.

According to the latest results, DBS recorded the highest value growth over the last year at $1.16 billion -- a 50 per cent rise over its 2012 value of $2.31 billion. In the past four years, the bank's overall brand value more than doubled, from $1.36 billion in 2009 to $3.47 billion. DBS accounted for 35 per cent of the total brand value increase of $4.99 billion across the top 100 Singapore brands in 2013.

The Top 100 Brands reports is produced annually. All listed companies are accorded a brand rating and a brand value, which reflects the brand's strength, risk and potential relative to competitors and the summary measure of the its financial strength, respectively.

DBS has over 200 branches across 15 markets.