Big banks are in a battle over new trading rules now being considered in Washington, and they’re in a tough spot. Not only are the banks deeply unpopular, they are also up against a regulator who knows how to sling an effective sound bite.
Creativity isn’t a word associated with most businesses, unless you are talking about companies in fashion, film or music. But creativity has a place in every business, according to Mickey Drexler, CEO of J.Crew. His lessons for creative success can guide communications too.
Chiefs of accounting firms don’t often make headlines. So it was surprising to see KPMG Chairman Michael Andrew tell a reporter that the insider-trading scandal involving a former partner was not a big deal. Is that really the best message for the CEO when his colleague commits a crime?
It is hard to recall a more dramatic week than the one just seen in Boston. And for the media, which reported the story and at times became the story, the episode shows how its world has changed forever.
Roya Wolverson, the global business editor at Time magazine, has just taken a new job as deputy global news editor at Quartz, a business news website. Never heard of it? That’s likely to change. Quartz and other digital upstarts are attracting top talent – and readers. No company or CEO can afford to ignore them.
There’s a lot to like about Canada: passionate hockey fans, abundant maple syrup, universal health insurance. Oh yes, and boring, very successful banks. Their winning formula is rooted in a consistent strategy, strong messages and solid execution. It’s enough to make us consider an office north of the border.
Mahony Partners has closed the books on the first quarter of 2013, and we are pleased to report continued business growth, from current engagements and two new clients.
Up to now, big banks have been the favored villains for all manner of bad business practices, like hasty home foreclosures, interest-rate manipulation and money laundering. But today’s report that DLA Piper, a large law firm, allegedly overbilled a small businessman by millions could give lawyers their turn in the spotlight. Are they ready?
It’s rare to see guidance from a regulator that results in less paperwork. But that is the likely impact of new guidelines from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the use of social media by asset management firms.
Trying to downplay your culpability after a settlement with regulators is a very bad idea. Just ask Sir John Peace, chairman of Standard Chartered, the UK bank. His public shaming is a useful lesson for which financial firms everywhere should be grateful.