A BRICS cities ranking places Moscow in third for the number of headquarters of leading companies. Beijing leads the list, followed by Abu Dhabi. The spread signals a clear tilt toward major capital cities that serve as engines for regional and global business activity. Moscow’s position reflects a robust corporate footprint that stretches across finance, technology, and industrial sectors.
The ranking shows Moscow’s corporate footprint is substantial. A large share of the region’s top companies is anchored in the Russian capital, and their performance has been strong in recent years. This combination of financial results and a push toward technological and sustainable development helps explain Moscow’s standing.
Moscow’s priorities in the ranking include raising energy efficiency in the city’s infrastructure and adopting advanced technological solutions. Municipal programs and development initiatives built on sustainable development principles were also taken into account when evaluating the overall city profile.
At the top of the BRICS company list globally are Naspers, Tencent Holdings and Itau Unibanco, setting a high bar for regional entrants. Among Russian players, Sberbank, Yandex, and Rostelecom are the leaders within the top 250, illustrating a diverse mix of financial services, tech, and telecommunications that help anchor Moscow’s business landscape.
The spread of headquarters across different sectors shows that Moscow is not relying on a single industry. Instead, it combines traditional finance with digital platforms and infrastructure services to create an ecosystem that can attract investment and talent. This diversified base supports continued growth and resilience in the face of global market shifts.
There is broader context in the BRICS conversation—earlier discussions referred to varied responses from the United States and Turkey regarding BRICS expansion, while Armenia indicated plans to explore membership. These developments underscore the evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics surrounding the BRICS framework and its member cities.
The ranking ultimately highlights Moscow’s evolving role as a hub for business activity in the BRICS era. With ongoing investments in energy efficiency, digital infrastructure, and municipal services, the city positions itself as a competitive center for international companies seeking a foothold in Europe and Asia alike. The data point to a city that is actively building capabilities in sustainable growth and innovation, rather than resting on past advantages.