8 Comments
 

Sure, but there are good reasons that banks don't up and change ownership on the reg. Changing the ownership group (unless the purchaser is another bank) is about as hard as simply starting a new bank. So more often than not, if you have the management team and sufficient capital assembled that's what you'll see them do: start rather than buy. 

"And where we had thought to be alone we shall be with all the world"
 

I wouldn't agree that it is not an enticing business model if you have a well-defined business plan and market strategy. What you can't expect to do is run a one-size-fits-all bank model and expect to satisfy the needs of both retail and commercial clients. For the reasons you noted... just not going to happen. But if you know there's an underserved business segment and you have sufficient capital to make it through the first several years until profitability; I would submit that banking is still a highly lucrative business which could deliver steady, if not stellar, returns both to management and the shareholders. 

"And where we had thought to be alone we shall be with all the world"
 
Most Helpful

Word to the wise: only do it if the bank is an MDI or CDFI classified bank, as well as able to offer VA, FHA, Fannie, and Freddie SFH loans. If you can get those accomplished, there is protection from a lot of the more risky loans one offers, and capital requirements are lower. However, these banks typically have 4-15 branches and are not easily distressed due to government backing. 

New capital requirements should be coming out at some point, and small banks will have an issue as SFH property values are now retracing slightly, as are smaller commercial properties. That is incorporated with a decrease in money supply/lack of new home buyers all but gone, which is a 14-22 month lagging effect, meaning it has about another 1.5 years to get worse; you will see issues at the smaller level. I'd suggest going into a small CDFI-backed bank and trying to become the regional manager or talking to the board or trustees about wanting to purchase in a couple of years. Wait for it to show distress and offer them a low ball. 

 

Ad deserunt saepe aut quisquam. Enim et provident omnis ut. Culpa doloremque culpa nobis est minima modi qui. Aut laborum voluptatem dolorum debitis a nam in. Praesentium quam ut aut sed.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”