McKinsey's Global Banking Annual Review

It is better to launch products off a leaner base and, should a bank seek an acquirer, a lower cost base would also help strengthen valuations. While the jury is still out on whether the current market uncertainty will result in an imminent recession or a prolonged period of slow growth, the fact is that growth has slowed. As growth is unlikely to quicken in the medium term, we have, without question, entered the late cycle. Compounding this situation is the continued threat posed by fintechs and big technology companies, as they take stakes in banking businesses. The call to action is urgent: whether a bank is a leader and seeks to "protect" returns or is one of the underperformers looking to turn the business around and push returns above the cost of equity, the time for bold and critical moves is now.