Banker awards

Attributes that make a great banker - learnings from the best in the business.

The team at Goodwood Finance have been dealing with commercial finance Bankers since March 2014 and in that time, had the privilege of working with many fantastic ones. We should note that when we say Bankers we generally mean the Relationship Managers as they are the face of the Bank but we are including Analysts, Credit Managers and People Leaders in this summary as they all contribute to a client experience.

So what are the attributes of the best?

They ask questions. The curse of incumbency sometimes leads a financier to not clearly understand who their client is and to also feel that they cannot ask simple questions to gain a better understanding. The best bankers ask the best questions and they ask them often.

They're detailed in the right things. Banks have over time built more rabbit warrens than the hills outside Bacchus Marsh. The best Bankers navigate these internally and simply focus on what is required to assist the client to achieve what they would like to within the parameters of what the Bank is comfortable with - the rabbit warren navigation is somewhat of a curiosity to the client.

They're collaborative. The best Bankers will work through clients excel, building their own scenario's for discussion as a jointly owned solution is arrived at. The worst Bankers in the market think their role is to come back with a yes or no. We refer to them as 'black box' bankers - there probably is some method but who knows what it is and if we ever get to the method, it is likely too late.

They are genuinely engaged. A great Banker is considered part of a clients closest circle - a bad one can contribute to a very bad memory that we have seen pass into the next generation. As with anything in life, if you're going to turn up then genuinely turn up. It matters.

They're bloody good at what they do. Nothing beats sheer competence.

We are very pleased to be able to deal with great Bankers - they have a significant impact on our clients lives as well as ours. Thank you!