New bank product designs and customer account management approach in a fluid banking and financial services marketplace for an up & coming bank
The challenge for a rapidly growing full-service bank in Moscow, Russia was to understand what products were most sought after by the existing customer base. Starting with account holder records, the experts began analyzing data to only discover large-scale inaccuracies and missing fields. Working with all branch managers, a data collection effort was launched to redo 100% of all account holders records by interviewing 100% of the visiting customers. Then, with a strong field force in place, the branch managers were used to conduct more in-depth "usage & attitude" surveys and an "unmet needs" study. What was learned was that the existing silos – retail consumers, corporate business and investment banking – were not cross-selling and bridging effectively in an environment where the customer needed all three types of core banking services. The work lead to a restructuring of account management, selling, and product development functions.
Strategies for adopting new accounting rules and regulations and their impact on a newly opened economy in the Balkans
Working with the Office of the Chief Economist at the Securities & Exchange Commission in the United States, our on-the-ground expert became a focal point for one Balkan country's national debate surrounding which system of accounting would be best for a country that had recently emerged from 70 years of communism and a restricted capital markets. Through a process of white papers, speeches in Parliament and close-door sessions with the Prime Minister and his key cabinet officials, a national-scale misstep was avoided, and a technical assistance program was funded to allow for a more thorough debate and consideration.
Impact evaluation and project turn-around planning for a multi-lateral bank-funded, micro-credit lending initiative in a new Central Asian Republic
In support of a multinational donor agency, the experts were responsible for conducts audits and surveys of management and operation among all Multi-lateral bank-funded micro lenders (50+ units nationwide), to evaluate the current status and performance. The work identified critical governance shortfalls and failed credit controls that led to the restructuring of the national project.
Business and operations planning for a billion-dollar sovereign wealth fund to be launched by two Middle Eastern Kingdoms
On behalf of the CEO of the National Investment Company, our experts were an integral part of the team that created the comprehensive business and operating plan for the shareholders that drew on hard-to-find "best practices" in the sovereign wealth fund industry. Touching on all operating dimensions – from organization & leadership to risk management & funding – the plan became the basis of the shareholders agreement and the blue print for its formal launch.
Concept testing and implementation planning for a central-bank funded SME / franchise business venture fund to stimulate business ownership in Malaysia
Working with franchise and small business experts, the task was to analyze available funding sources for SMEs and Franchisees, and to plot the gaps such that the Central bank's efforts could be appropriately directed. The work resulted in a national round table where representatives of 20 banks engaged with the Central Bank's planners to formulate a gameplan for improved lending to this sector. Of critical importance was the work with individual bank committees on effective lending risk profiling for SME and franchise business opportunities.