ServisFirst Bank’s Post

🏬 We launched our #FutureHighStreet report last week, which sets out a blueprint for transforming our high streets, and the small businesses on them. But what are our key policy recommendations from the report? 💭 ➡️ Raise the Small Business Rate Relief threshold. ➡️ Introduce 'High Street Hop' schemes for free bus fares on key routes. ➡️ Introduce a mandatory recording process for business crime. ➡️ Design new traffic management zones. ➡️ Introduce a 'Banking Hub Setup Fund' to guarantee the availability of banking services. Read the full report 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eviyzwC3 #HighStreets #SmallBusinesses

Perceptual Advisors LLC #ForTheWin Week of Feb 19-23, 2024 What’s the deal: This week, Capital One (NYSE: COF) and Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) announced a proposed deal that would combine two of the biggest brands in the booming credit card sector. Although the $35.3 billion deal would create a behemoth that’s certain to draw scrutiny from regulators, the companies primed the pump for #mergersandacquisitions success by communicating clearly, from the start, a compelling 360 degree view of proof points outlining the WIIFM (what’s in it for me) for each of the deal’s many stakeholder groups. What they got right in their comms: In a mega deal that might otherwise appear to be great for investors, but not so good for the little old consumer, the initial wave of announcements and interviews did an excellent job of presenting a “Goliath” serving over 100 million customers that can also be trusted to bring benefit to a great number of “Davids.” Through a combination of well-articulated facts and third-party accolades, the #communications make a well-reasoned case for a deal which Capital One Chairman & CEO Richard Fairbank describes as “...exceptionally well-positioned to create significant value for consumers, small businesses, merchants, and shareholders as technology continues to transform the payments and banking marketplace." Investors no doubt appreciate all the examples of scale and synergy, and the opportunity to leverage Capital One’s 11-year #technologytransformation into a digital advantage across Discover’s ecosystem. The notably loyal Discover cardholders learned their cards would be accepted at vastly more locations, and become merged with Capital One whose members enjoy doing business with the “only major bank with no fees, no minimums, and no overdraft fees.” Meanwhile merchants stand to benefit from more direct relationships that leverage the combined customer base, technology, and data ecosystem to drive more sales, deals for consumers, and support for #smallbusiness. These are but a few examples culled from across available #externalcommunications and coverage. What’s the watch out: With all the drafts, contingency planning and “hurry up and wait” aspects of M&A, completing the initial announcement can feel like an end when it is in fact just the beginning. Even with nearly perfect execution, there’s always more to do, right away. Whether it’s false #socialmedia rumors impacting employee groups, inaccurate coverage, political banter, #regulatory developments or something else, it’s important to keep an ear to the ground and some energy in reserve, to address the unexpected. Nevertheless, the sensitivities and professionalism demonstrated during this initial phase bode well for the Capital One/Discover team’s ability to see this deal through to a successful close. For these reasons, we recognize Capital One and Discover #ForTheWin. (Disclaimer: Capital One and Discover are not clients of Perceptual Advisors LLC)

Good write-up from David Bruce regarding the Capital One / Discover announcement that dominated M&A news this week. Both organizations got off to a good start with the initial announcement, but the real battle lies ahead: winning regulatory approval. With the OCC, Fed and DOJ having to sign off, Capital One and Discover will need all their communications mojo to see a successful outcome. Intersting fact about the deal: there’s no breakup fee if the regulators don’t sign off.

Actions truly speak louder than words. I've worked as a senior manager at the top banks in both the US and UK. As part of the onboarding, you are told about the bank ethos and how much the bank values its clients but it doesn't always show on the frontline. I have always ensured that my team live and breathe a customer-centric mindset. As a business owner, your customer focus needs to be more than just words; you and your employees need to live it. When Metro Bank first entered the UK market, I was skeptical about their stated values. I can honestly say that in my experience, they have demonstrated a true commitment to local businesses. Every year, the local Metro Bank has gone above and beyond to support the East London Business Expo. This shows that from the top down, they are serious about being a disruptor in the banking industry. Thank you Mark Davies for your keynote speech a few years back. 80% of consumers say the experience a company provides is as important as its products or services. Businesses that lead in customer experience outperform those that don't by nearly 80%. #CustomerCentric #BankingInnovation #Leadership #BusinessEthos #UKBanking #USBanking #MetroBank #EastLondonBusinessExpo #DisruptiveBanking #LocalBusinessSupport

Have you been to a bank recently? Notice anything different? I wrote about banks taking a crack at modern design for their branches. Companies like Citi, JPMorganChase, Bank of America and Capital One are looking to the hospitality industry for design cues, in addition to brands like Starbucks or Aesop, as part of a push to make their retail locations places where people actually want to spend time. Read more in Bloomberg Businessweek: https://lnkd.in/e_d4pn3G

When thinking about how to best support SMBs, Luther L., Director of Product at Grasshopper Bank says your best bet is to prioritize listening to their needs and meeting them where they are. Providing tailored banking solutions that truly address the unique challenges faced by small businesses is key to making that connection.  #InnovatorsRetreat #BusinessBankingOpportunities

Want to know how forward-thinking financial institutions are transforming their retail locations? A new article and gallery from The Financial Brand features two of our clients – AMOCO Federal Credit Union and Virginia Credit Union – focused on retail environments that make meaningful member connections. #branchbanking #retailbanking #branchtransformation

In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, what once felt like the security of traditional banking is now seen as a potential limitation. The independent channel is flourishing, especially among sophisticated clients seeking diverse options. At Delisle, we're witnessing a remarkable shift—clients are increasingly curious and eager for the innovative solutions we offer. It's essential to recognize and embrace this transformation, as it’s already underway. Now is the time to stay informed and consider the best ways to serve clients in this new era.   #FinancialServices #IndependentChannel #ClientFocus #Innovation #MarketTrends #Delisle #FutureOfFinance #FinancialAdvisory #ClientExperience #BankingEvolution

🏆 Facility Excellence Journey: As I reflect on our journey at Coronation Merchant Bank, I'm reminded of the milestones that have shaped our path to excellence. 🌐 Streamlining operations has not only boosted efficiency but has laid the foundation for enhanced sustainability practices. In the pursuit of excellence, every step matters. 🚀 Whether it's implementing innovative solutions, fostering a collaborative environment, or achieving a significant sustainability goal, each accomplishment contributes to the broader narrative of success. What about your facility journey? What recent achievements are you particularly proud of? 🌟 Share your success stories; let's inspire and learn from each other! 💼💬 #FacilityExcellence #MilestoneReflections #FacilityManagementJourney

📈 Big moves in Q4! Our latest Market Snapshot highlights some key deals that made waves in the commercial real estate scene. Leading the pack is the monumental Panorama St Pauls deal in EC1, where HSBC secured a whopping 556,017 sq ft of prime space. But that's not all—our data also sheds light on the top tenant sectors driving activity. It's no surprise to see Financial Services taking the lead, closely followed by the dynamic duo of Technology, Media, and Telecom, along with the Creative sector. These sectors are shaping the landscape of London's office market, and we're here to keep you in the loop every step of the way! #KeyDeals #TenantTrends #Q4Insights #ResultsSpeakLouder