The bank stock and profitability continue to decline, is the only solution to continue to grow through bank acquisition?
Pros
Wintrust financial allows each bank president to tailor the loan and deposit products to meet the needs of the community it serves. Some of the banks have a strong following in the community and devoted employees to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. The bank president has the authority to run the charter as his/her own business which allows for an entreprenureal spirt only found in a start up bank. The employee benefits package is very generous and competes strongly with employers of similar industries. The bank is large enough (when one considers all charters as one) to compete with the larger banks in the area; this eliminates many of the objections when working with customers who are concerned about moving to a community bank.
Cons
The communication and sharing of information between the banks is extreamly limited. The leadership from the holding company does not trickle down to the bank level. Accountability for the banks performance is only judged on a profitability basis and does not incorporate employee turnover or customer satisfaction. It does not appear bank presidents of less profitable charters are held accountable for thier performance and poor performance is allowed to continue year over year. Senior management is a good old boys club made up from the original people who started the bank, no room for new ideas or opinions in this environment. The lack of diversity within the organization is concerning and does not promote opportunities for women or people of color.
