Outsourcing

Banks are looking for ways to reduce expenses as loan growth is anemic in most places, deposit costs are rising, NIM is shrinking and consumer fee income continues to evaporate. One solution that has not been on the table in the past for most institutions is emerging as a viable option for routine tasks: outsourcing. Providing jobs domestically is still and should always be the top priority for all of us, but economics also play…

Leadership Lessons from Successful Veteran CEOs

A few outstanding CEOs have recently retired from their positions after an illustrious career. They took their respective banks to new heights, contributed hugely to the economic success of their communities, shareholders, and employees, and got there using their path and strengths. There is so much to learn from their body of work. Below are the insights shared by two such CEOs at their retirement dinners. These are real-life lessons, a gift from these stellar…

20 Teachings from 20 Years

The top 20 things learned from Amitabh Bhargava when writing the Bank Brief over the past 20 years have resulted in some our most favorite sayings. 1. Management teams really matter. I contend one could have gone to our 2007 Global Financial Services Conference, ahead of the financial crisis, and seen the top 20 U.S. banks present. If I had gone long the 10 best presentations (based on company positioning, strategy, poise) and short the worst 10, I…