The Bankey
The Bankey as a figure encompasses a set of quite different bankers, from the fundamental analyst Warren Buffet to the investment strategist George Soros, the financial philosopher Nassim Nicholas Taleb to the ex-corporate raider Asher Edelman (also known as Gordon Gekko) whose traits occasionally emerge within every banker, analyst, quantitative engineer, trader, economist, advisor, risk & performance manager, legal & compliance, hedge fund manager or investment officer – all entangled together in this diffuse and eccentric industry.
The Apprentice
This character is a typically curious and smart young Bankey, inquisitive, very often unnerving, who in his naive and inquisitive way never failing to point out the obvious and painstaking realities in finance. At times the apprentice is bold and even wise in his conclusions about economic intricacies as well as fundamentals. So seasoned Bankeys are often either cautious or over-anxious when our favourite apprentice is on the prowl and needy for knowledge and financial enlightenment.
The Reporter
The reporter is a frequent companion of The Bankey. He is constantly trying to understand his motives, the mechanics, products and processes of the financial industry. The reporter is quite eloquent, very polite but nevertheless at times critical of the Bankey, never ceding to ask point blank questions on any financial topic. The reporter’s name is Abe and is the Bankey’s subtle conscience and as a friend always ready to understand and at times guide him with a hint in a sensible direction.
Head of Compliance
She is the ultimate manager, great expertise, very strong minded with acute organisational, interpersonal and intercultural skills. From MiFID to Basel, from FIDLEG to Dodd Frank, she knows them down to the last paragraph. The classic execution-orientated, attentive to details executive and proven alpha player! She questions everyone and everything, is highly motivated and formidably admired by all Bankeys, while at the same time in awe of her.
(This character was inspired by a Legal & Compliance analyst of a traditional Swiss bank – Thank you Ramona!)

