Sitting in front of a roaring fire on an old school Winter’s day in the Northeast, I can’t help but reflect on the roller coaster ride we’ve experienced in the Financial Services business in recent times. As a contrarian and “optimistic skeptic”, rolling with the punches comes naturally. BUT – the politically inspired vilification of our business (labeled “Wall Street” for the presumed ill-informed masses) is overdone, counter-productive, and annoying. Every segment of our world has greedy, evil, overpaid, immoral, and downright stupid people; but 99% of the folks in the financial sector don’t wake up in the morning scheming to lie, steal, and cheat. The fact of the matter is Wall Street is Main Street – there are five “Main Street” jobs created for every so-called “Wall Street” job. Enlightened politicians and industry leaders can create jobs and business opportunities by embracing and supporting our industry. America does certain things in a world class way – Sports, Entertainment, Technology, and, I think you'd agree, Financial Services.

A terrific article addressing that subject is included in our Random Musings section – “The Inevitability of Finance” written by Professor Steven M. Davidoff (brought to our attention by DAK Index friend Barry Sommers of J.P. Morgan).

Our Power Player interview is with Paul Sylvester, MetLife’s Senior Vice President, U.S. Distribution. Paul provides insight into how a financial services giant is taking the lead in providing Americans with income for life.

DAK Success Stories highlights Gordon Linke, a valued employee of PIMCO, another large, high integrity corporate contributor to our economy.

Value Dining takes us to Philadelphia hot spot “North Third”, a fun restaurant with great food.

So, thanks for letting me vent a little bit, but I’m proud of the industry we serve and hope you feel the same!

Enjoy,

Daniel A. Kreuter
President


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