Pros
1. I have never before worked with such a nice, friendly bunch of people. Rarely the best in their field but generally capable. 2. The best work-life balance ever experienced in a bank. This is culturally embedded.
Cons
1. Consistently poor decision-making from the very top down and through every level of management. 2. Commercial strategy is all over the place. The decision to centralise global markets trading functionality in Milan - yes, Milan! - is frankly baffling. This will come home to bite. 3. Years of underfunding infrastructure and technology. European banks are being crushed by the American banks in this space. 4. HR function is the worst ever experienced. Ineffective bordering on incompetent. 5. Italian management style can be extremely hierarchical and (male) domineering. 6. Pay is poor relative to peers.