Answer:
The specialty or expertise of the financial institution
Their Management and Board composition
Their capital adequacy
Their performance
Explanation:
1) Specialty/Expertise:
Different financial institutions have their different area of strength/competence. Some are good in retail, some are good investment banking, some are good in deal making and consolidation etc. Depending on the purpose for which they are to be deployed, the area of their competence would matter most. E.g contracting a bank that is predominantly strong in retail banking to execute an M&A deal would not be ideal.
2) Management & Board composition:
The strength of a financial institution is as good as the quality of the people managing it. The expertise and know how of the management in key areas of business development, strategy, operations etc. will be vital for the growth of the financial institution
3) Capital adequacy
The adequacy of the capital structure of a financial institution is critical as it determines how much business and risk it can take on. By capital adequacy, we simply mean the ratio of its equity to debt. The less leverage its balance sheet is, the more business it can take on. This is critical if the volume of transaction one is about to transact with the financial institution is large.
4) Performance
The performance of a financial institution will show how efficient it is at generating returns and creating value to its shareholders and well as stakeholders. Every investor has an expectation of returns, a financial institution should be able to meet or exceed the market average for such performance yardstick as margin, ROI (return on investment), Return on Asset (ROA) etc
Answer:
1. Location of the bank and ATMs
2. What are the services they offer
3. Fees
4. What is the minimum balance you must have in your account
