What Excites (and Concerns) This Big-Time Bank Investor

Kenneth Lehman, known for infusing huge sums of own money into banks, discusses what he wants from an investment, thoughts on management teams, and why he's worried about some community banks.

Happy Monday, Bank Slaters!

I finally had time to catch up after spending a few days in Minnesota. It was great to meet so many people and see the beauty of the Land of 10,000 Lakes up close and personal. I have a few weeks here in North Carolina to recalibrate — my next big trip will involve going to Texas in June for Q2 Connect.

I found time to speak with American Banker about banks selling Visa Class B shares to offset losses from selling underwater securities, stressing the importance of making sure to fully leverage these one-time revenue opportunities. I also wrote an article for Bank Director that discusses how banks should assess and prepare for the CFPB’s assault on consumer fees.

We’re staying very busy at Bank Slate!

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Let’s talk about banking trends through the perspective of Ken Lehman, a former securities lawyer who is now a sought after bank investor. I’ve known him for years — highlighting his investment strategy as far back as 2013.

Lehman, who prefers to keep a low profile until he identifies and contacts a potential bank investment, was drawn to investing while at Luse Lehman Gorman Pomerenk & Schick in the 1990s. He began focusing on the underlying financials of his legal assignments before leaving the law firm to focus exclusively on investing. He would co-found three banks between 2003 and 2005.