Pros

It's like the federal government - once you get in, you do nothing, there isn't much competition, not much is expected of you and get a paycheck.

Cons

Many of the people who work here are dinosaurs. They don't like change and people are promoted based on tenure (which goes into the decades) rather than ability and previous experience (at outside firms/banks). The senior management (and I can only speak of the securities/brokerage side of the business) is intimidated by outsiders (people who have worked at higher tier brokerage firms) because they don't want anyone to "outshine" them. Many things are done a certain way because "that's the way it has always been done" and no one questions or attempts to improve - or modernize things. Much of the senior management (again, on the securities side) has no other practical experience outside of M&T, and many have floated back and forth between the bank side and the securities side - but again, most have ONLY ever worked for M&T.

Advice to Senior Management

Recruit people from other brokerage firms if you want to make a go of M&T Securities. Accept knowledge and experience and don't be intimidated - I am sure the bank side will take you back.