In
the spring of 2023, the financial services (FS) sector was rocked when three
regional banks collapsed: Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), Signature Bank and First
Republic Bank. Battering the banking sector, fears of a financial contagion
spread, making it the biggest banking failure since the Washington Mutual Bank
in 2008.

Today,
the question on everyone’s mind is: has the 2023 US regional banking crisis
finally come to an end?

While
the recent
earnings report of three major banks, as well
as warnings
from the IMF (International Monetary Fund),
shows that the ramifications of last year’s crisis are still being felt, there
is also a host of new opportunities that have emerged from the fallout.

Despite
the gloom, banks are in a great position to capitalize on the top-tier talent
and hordes of displaced customers that the 2023 crisis created.

How the 2023 banking crisis creates new
opportunities in the talent landscape

The
consequences of the 2023 regional banking crisis was felt profoundly by banking
talent, who found themselves tackling unprecedented challenges.

As
banks faced financial uncertainty, many had to downsize their workforce. A year
later, they continue to tighten their belts, with the US’s biggest banks having
just laid off over
17,000 employees. Compounded by less hiring
activity, we’re now seeing waves of amazing talent that need a new home, but
can’t seem to secure one.

This
deluge of experienced, skilled workers looking for a place to go presents
exciting possibilities for banks to attract the crème de la crème of FS
talent. Seizing this opportunity could be the guiding star that helps banks
weather the storm, flex to new demand and come out on top.

Ignoring
this surge of opportunistic hires could leave banks at a disadvantage when the
landscape finally restores itself and the talent shortage worsens. I view
tapping into this pool of talent a strategic imperative for future proofing
your business within a turbulent industry.

How banks can fill the market gap for banking
clientele

The
2023 banking crisis also impacted the expectations and experiences of banking
clientele, particularly ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI).

Over
the last twelve months, these discerning customers have been grappling with a
starkly altered financial landscape. Used to a personalized, high level of
service, they have been confronted by an erosion of the white glove experience
they once received.

This
has prompted a sobering reassessment of priorities among banking clientele.
Today, they place a greater emphasis on transparency and trust, especially
given the persistent vulnerabilities
within the regional banking sector. But for
forward-thinking banks, this can be leveraged into a chance to expand.

Looking
at the current landscape of wealth management, I believe we’re in a new era of
client-centricity and accountability. The banks that went under in 2023 left a
big gap in the market that caters to entrepreneurs, business owners and UHNWIs.
Now is the golden time for banks to pitch into that niche, restore confidence
and create a better home for this type of customer.

The importance of looking for talent – even if
you’re not hiring

I
can’t emphasize enough the importance of ensuring your talent pipeline is full.
Even if you’re not immediately hiring, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the
future and your finger on the pulse so that you can continue attracting highly
skilled talent and beat out your competitors.

A
deep talent bench also fosters robust succession
planning. By ensuring you have skilled
individuals readily available to step into key roles, it minimizes disruptions
and maintains stability during challenging, and often unforeseen circumstances.
In turn, this allows you to better serve your clientele and outvie your
less-prepared competitors.

If
you’re looking for exceptional talent, but are struggling to navigate the
turbulent terrain of today’s market, we can help. Contact us today to arrange a call and find out
how we can support you.