Good Firm, Bad Management - Learning and Development Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

Pre-failure, this was hands down the best place I ever worked at. The firm and the role were exciting to the point where I truly enjoyed my day. Best work culture I was ever part of.

No longer applicable post failure/post acquisition.

Pre-2023, excellent culture and team environment, strong compensation and bonuses, and generous budgets that supported employees well.

Since the 2023 bankruptcy, the company has struggled to regain its identity. There has been significant turnover in senior leadership, and much of the experienced management team has departed. This has led to inconsistent direction, frequent misalignment between leadership messaging and execution, and a noticeable decline in employee confidence. Compensation, bonuses, and career progression opportunities have become less competitive, and overall employee support has diminished. The organization now feels more like a rebranded extension of First Citizens rather than the distinct institution it once was. There is also an over-layering of management, with too many overlapping roles and unclear accountability, which slows decision-making and creates unnecessary complexity. Finally, the company has lost much of its competitive edge post-2023, with ongoing client attrition and reputational challenges that employees are left to address without clear strategic direction.