Former bank analyst takes key role at Customers in Pa.

Bob Ramsey is the latest bank analyst to start working for a financial institution.

Ramsey, who had been at FBR Capital Markets, was named director of investor relations and strategic planning at Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa.

In this newly created role, Ramsey will oversee long-term strategic and financial planning efforts at the $10.9 billion-asset company.

It made sense “to strengthen the strategic and financial planning functions” at Customers after its assets crossed the $10 billion and it became subject to new regulations, Jay Sidhu, the company’s chairman and CEO, said in a Thursday press release. He said Ramsey should also help Customers “build a stronger balance sheet to support the next phase of growth.”

Ramsey spent 13 years at FBR, where he covered small and midsize banks, including Customers, along with consumer finance and fintech companies. Before that he worked at Wachovia Securities.

“I have analyzed Customers for several years and have developed a deep respect for [its] management and strategy,” Ramsey said in the release. “I am excited to be part of the team and help the bank continue to improve its fundamentals and execute strategies to deliver above average shareholder value.”

Ramsey is following the path taken by a number of analysts in recent years.

James Abbott, director of investor relations at Zions Bancorp., once worked at FBR. Jefferson Harralson, who recently became the chief financial officer at United Community Banks, was hired from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. Ken Posner, chief of strategic planning and investor relations at Capital Bank, once was an analyst at Morgan Stanley.

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