Great, as long as you don't work in FX (Foreign Exchange) - Software Engineer Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

1.0
Oct 12, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is always something to do or learn. The people overall on the teams are amazing (except management, see cons for details). The work is interesting and challenging and there is a lot of room for you to make a difference.

Cons

Recent attrition has led to a management shake up. The Director put in charge of FX, Manu Thankappan, is the most obnoxious, overbearing, and insulting "leader" I have ever worked for in my life. He is a director, that has 2 managers reporting to him, but he is in ever standup, ever planning session, and wants a status update directly to him. He is assigning work in planning sessions. He has suspended of sprint retros so people can't voice their concerns. He talks down to QA in general as if they have no value. The amount of micromanaging he does is something I have never seen in my 2+ decades working on software development teams.

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No longer applicable post failure/post acquisition.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.

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