Vantaggi
Great franchise in Asia and some emerging markets. Real player in the emerging markets in which it chooses to do business. Very interesting and long-standing positioning in many of the world's most dynamic emerging markets. Relative to its size, very respected in the emerging markets financial world and well connected politically in UK.
Svantaggi
Dysfunctional organizational structure. Very difficult to get things done. Successful infighting sadly becomes are more important than generating business. And KYA becomes the key criterion to long term success. Look to low-ball on salaries, particularly during the financial crisis when they were one of the few banks hiring. All of these in combination lead to frustration of good people and high turnover. There's been some improvement but a long way to go.