Slow moving, lack of innovation, but strong in relationship building - Anonymous employee Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

2.0
Jun 13, 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Passionate workforce that truly cares about their clients. Employees have a real service mentality and will go the extra mile. Company has strong relationships in the VC/PE and start-up market, which is their primary competitive advantage.

Cons

Decisions are made very slowly - and usually need to go to the exec level. When decisions are made, they are incremental, not innovative. Individual success is measured by relationships, not impact. Their primary advantage (relationships) may get overtaken by more agile, innovative companies (like their clients!)

Explore other reviews about Silicon Valley Bank

5.0
Jul 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pre-failure, this was hands down the best place I ever worked at. The firm and the role were exciting to the point where I truly enjoyed my day. Best work culture I was ever part of.

Cons

No longer applicable post failure/post acquisition.

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.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All