Pros
Relatively easy to get a role here as the talent level does not appear to be universally high. Good benefits, including medical, dental and the usual benefits you would expect from a global organisation. Paid vacation time in particular is generous as the US entity at least used to match the vacation entitlement of their European counterparts, which is very high. Semi-senior positions can command six weeks paid vacation. Bonuses are generally exceptionally poor, spread over several years and may be in bank stock, due to the parent company being over 80% owned by the United Kingdom government.
Kontras
Very little cohesive, strategic direction is evidenced on the shop floor. Senior management have good intentions and various initatives are announced but do not seem to permeate the culture. Challenge of ineffecient business processes not well received. ("We've always done it this way") and v little encouragement of improvement and efficiency. Middle and Senior management do not seem dynamic and appear unwilling to hire quality individuals who may be a threat to their positions. Very entrenched lower and middle management (staggering number of people who have been at the bank for >25 years. These people are rewarded with a brick at HQ. Try attending one of these ceremonies and see if you think the collective talent looks impressive.)