Loan Ranger

Last week was not a good one for humour, but one that began nonetheless with the customary jokes on Monday morning about how 2015 has already ruined the Christmas buzz – be it through unsettled markets or just the piles of admin ready and waiting for everyone’s return.

Lest anyone has lost sight of the fact that this time of year is not only a mad scramble to get deals signed before the window of opportunity frosts over, the Loan Syndicate Managers’ Forum reminded us last week that there are more dignifying causes to get behind. And that these causes come with mince pies.

Don't the bankers mislead you about the meaning of Christmas, come to the Loan Syndicate Manager’s Forum carol service and sing away the blues.

Loan Ranger’s shameless attempts to drum up some controversy last week had a bigger, more immediate and ultimately self-defeating effect than even he expected.

It’s often the simple things that can make all the difference in whether one has a productive meeting. Room ergonomics, the view out of the window and a decent cup of coffee are all apposite metrics to consider in relation to your loan banker’s psyche.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the important parts of any financial conference typically take place off the stage rather than on it.

Last week’s record falls for the rouble and diminishing hopes for a return of international banks to Russian lending in 2015 has put increasing focus on Russian banks to increase local market loans business next year.

What is it they say about good intentions? Royal Bank of Scotland invited Loan Ranger and colleagues to evening drinks last week with hopes of talking about its new streamlined strategy. But only a couple of beers in and the room was instead awash with debate.

Just as a violent storm is sometimes what weather systems require to break a passage of mounting atmospheric pressure, a sudden dose of volatility can also be just what financial markets need to refresh themselves and avoid stagnation or overheating. So it goes too with the pastimes of loans bankers.

A combination of bad markets and bad weather got a Nordic banker thinking about travel plans last week.

Loan Ranger recently had occasion to put his grey cells through their paces at a pub quiz put on by a major French bank last week.

London transport, it’s always a pleasure. But when you’re on your way to meet a senior debt banker over from the United Arab Emirates, seeing your journey time triple because of the unannounced closure of a tube line can be the occasion for a fantastic mix of stress and embarrassment.