Mismanagement issues were raised as early as 2018 - Director Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

1.0
Mar 13, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Not anymore - you screwed up lives and retirement for so many employees who stayed loyal to SVB's culture and the success of our clients.

Cons

Many employees had flagged the issues long time ago. When the "Big bank theory" started in 2017, the influx of unqualified people from larger banks was unstoppable. all you needed to do is to have "Wells Fargo" "Capital One" or other few big names on your resume and you would get C-level position at SVB without any qualifications whatsoever. FED never questioned any of that, not in Risk, not in Fraud or Cyber Security, to say the least. The knowledgeable and dedicated employees, who built the bank , were pushed aside by "big wigs" that are nothing but unwanted employees at other banks. Finally, here we are. The incompetent rookies hired more incompetent rookies based on good old boys club and few women and gay to suppress diversity complaints. Ruined the bank for nothing.

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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