The State of Small Business Banking Is Poor, Part II
Executive Summary: The small business area will continue to be unappreciated unless top management understands the importance of the business and “adopts” it. In our last newsletter, we…
The State of Small Business Banking Is Poor
Executive Summary: At many banks, an increasing disparity exists between what senior bankers say their enthusiasm is for small businesses and reality. Unfortunately, the small business segment risks becoming an…
Where Are the Banking Leaders?
Executive Summary: For the most part, banks will emerge from the current down cycle with the same management teams in place that steered them into the crisis. However, a more…
Why the Banking Crisis Is Far From Over
Executive Summary: Despite some well-publicized strong earnings from Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, the overall banking industry continues to suffer. The near-term outlook for many banks indicates deteriorating performance over…
Small Business: The Thrill is Gone
Executive Summary: At many banks the Small Business effort is in a deep slump, negatively impacted by declining performance, senior management reticence about the segment, and increased alienation of the…
Private Equity: What Banks Need to Know, Part II
Executive Summary: The role of Private Equity (PE) in banking continues to evolve. PEs bring capital and a fresh perspective on growth opportunities. Many banks will need both going forward….
Private Equity: What Banks Need to Know
Executive Summary: Last week’s purchase of BankUnited by a Private Equity (PE) group is simply the latest in an increasing number of investments by PEs. We expect the pace and…
Are You Ready for the Inflection Curve?
The inflection curve is a concept that I became familiar with by reading Andy Grove’s biography, Only the Paranoid Survive. In his words, “A strategic inflection point is a time…
Managing the “Sideline” Business
Executive Summary: The effective use of capital and increased demands on management require senior bankers to evaluate “non-core” lines of business and refocus or exit those that “mis-fit” either due…
The End of Loyalty?
Executive Summary: Loyalty has never been more attractive to an industry struggling to maintain quality assets and higher returns. At the same time, it is increasingly difficult to achieve loyalty…