San Francisco reclaims spot as nation's 2nd-largest banking center San Francisco regained its status as the nation's second-largest banking center, almost a decadeafter losing the titleto Charlotte, N.C., according to research by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The Bay Area is the headquarters of 26 financial institutions, with $2.278 trillion in assets, while Charlotte is home to 16 financial institutions with total assets of $2.265 trillion in assets, according to the S&P unit.(San Francisco Business Times)