Odd Place to work, not a real "Bank" - Commercial Banking/Deal Team Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

2.0
Jun 26, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Relaxed culture - completely relaxed pace of work and in some cases, considerable amounts of over-staffing and over-promotion, leading to random VP's watching youtube, and online shopping all day long. The VP title is handed out faster than anywhere else, in my 10+ year career.

Cons

Considerable amount of favoritism amonst managers. If you aren't 100% compatible and the same (in the sense of style, preferences, skin color, etc.) as the rest of your team, they will be dimly but ever so slightly judged for it. Everyone is over enthusiastic about the firm but in reality it is just a commerical bank, not an prestigious Investment bank.

Explore other reviews about Silicon Valley Bank

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great Pay - Great People

Cons

- Post FCB Migration - Things have slowed down

1.0
Mar 31, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pre-2023, excellent culture and team environment, strong compensation and bonuses, and generous budgets that supported employees well.

Cons

Since the 2023 bankruptcy, the company has struggled to regain its identity. There has been significant turnover in senior leadership, and much of the experienced management team has departed. This has led to inconsistent direction, frequent misalignment between leadership messaging and execution, and a noticeable decline in employee confidence. Compensation, bonuses, and career progression opportunities have become less competitive, and overall employee support has diminished. The organization now feels more like a rebranded extension of First Citizens rather than the distinct institution it once was. There is also an over-layering of management, with too many overlapping roles and unclear accountability, which slows decision-making and creates unnecessary complexity. Finally, the company has lost much of its competitive edge post-2023, with ongoing client attrition and reputational challenges that employees are left to address without clear strategic direction.

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