Navigating Instability: How Senior Bankers Are Steering Through Uncertainty

The contents of this blog are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Association of Foreign Banks disclaims liability for actions taken based on the materials. Readers should consult their legal advisers.

Global wholesale banking is facing one of the most complex operating environments in decades.

Volatility in markets, geopolitical instability, regulatory pressure, and rapid technological change are reshaping the strategic landscape. For banking leaders, the challenge is not just to safeguard resilience but to chart a path for sustainable growth while maintaining trust with clients, regulators, and teams.

Our new whitepaper, Navigating Instability: Strategic Insights for Global Wholesale Banking, draws directly on the perspectives of senior executives across the industry. It offers clear, actionable guidance on how banks can maintain discipline, strengthen resilience, and seize opportunities in turbulent times.

Holding the Line on Strategy

A recurring theme is the importance of strategic discipline. Leaders stress the value of staying anchored to long-term goals while responding tactically to short-term disruption. History has shown that reactionary decisions in times of turbulence often erode competitive advantage. Instead, successful banks are maintaining clarity of direction, avoiding short-termism, and protecting their long-term positioning.

Balancing Caution and Opportunity

Resource management, particularly hiring, has shifted towards cautious expansion. Many institutions are slowing headcount growth and focusing on efficiency within existing teams. Yet, executives also recognise that volatility creates openings to deepen client relationships and strengthen market share, especially as competitors retreat. The message is clear: cautious cost control need not preclude boldness when opportunity arises.

The Human Capital Challenge

Beyond immediate market pressures, demographic trends are emerging as a slow-burning challenge. Banks are becoming increasingly reliant on highly experienced staff while entry-level recruitment has declined. Leaders acknowledge that talent pipelines and succession planning require renewed attention to avoid long-term structural gaps.

Risk and Resilience Redefined

The report highlights that banks are not only reinforcing financial risk frameworks through stress testing and scenario analysis but are also elevating non-financial risks. Geopolitical shocks, cyber threats, regulatory expectations, and shifts in public sentiment are now firmly embedded in risk governance. Institutions are recognising that operational resilience and social responsibility are inseparable in today’s environment.

Leadership in Turbulent Times

Perhaps the most consistent insight from executives is the role of leadership. Transparent communication, responsiveness to challenges, and a culture of openness are essential to maintaining stability and morale. Leaders who foster agility, ensure difficult news is communicated quickly, and engage directly with teams are better placed to steer their organisations through uncertainty.

Key Takeaways from the Report

Senior executives interviewed for the whitepaper highlighted five priorities shaping wholesale banking today:

• Stay strategically disciplined: Anchor to long-term objectives, avoiding reactionary decisions in volatile markets.
• Balance caution with boldness: Manage costs carefully while seizing opportunities to strengthen client relationships and market share.
• Rebuild talent pipelines: Address demographic imbalances by investing in next-generation skills and succession planning.
• Expand risk frameworks: Integrate non-financial risks, including geopolitical and social factors, into core resilience strategies.
• Lead with clarity: Foster transparent communication, agility, and trust to maintain engagement and organisational effectiveness.

Looking Ahead

The industry outlook remains mixed. Some leaders see volatility as fertile ground for growth, while others remain cautious, prioritising resilience over expansion. Success will depend on the ability to read signals early, move decisively, and balance discipline with opportunism.

Read the full Whitepaper

The full report provides a deeper dive into the themes shaping wholesale banking today, from sectoral realignment to evolving risk frameworks. It offers senior banking leaders both perspective and practical guidance for navigating the next 12 to 24 months.

Content Partner

For more than 60 years, Odgers has partnered with organisations worldwide to identify and secure the senior leaders who shape strategy and deliver results. With 59 offices across 33 countries, our global network gives clients access to the very best talent, wherever it may be.

In a world defined by rapid change and rising complexity, we know that the right leadership is critical. That is why we hold ourselves to the highest ethical and professional standards, combining global reach with local insight to deliver trusted outcomes.

As a people-focused business, we are committed to making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Our blend of deep expertise, personal values, and advanced tools empowers our teams to provide an exceptional, tailored experience for every client.

Authored By

Nick Miller

Nick leads executive search assignments across transaction, commercial, corporate and investment banking, as well as capital markets. He has extensive experience working with buy-side clients, particularly private debt platforms. Over the course of his career, Nick has successfully delivered global mandates for board and senior management positions, spanning coverage, product and functional leadership roles, alongside Chair and Non-Executive Director appointments. His work combines domestic and international reach, with a proven track record of placing leaders who drive impact across diverse markets. 

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