WW

Walter Wriston

37quotes

Walter Wriston: A Pioneer in Banking and Finance


Full Name and Common Aliases


Walter B. Wriston was the full name of this American banking executive and entrepreneur.

Birth and Death Dates


Walter B. Wriston was born on April 3, 1919, and passed away on January 31, 2005.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Wriston was an American national with a career spanning over four decades in the banking and finance sector.

Early Life and Background


Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Wriston grew up in a family that valued hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. His father was a businessman who instilled in Walter the importance of taking calculated risks and being proactive in achieving success. After graduating from Yale University with a degree in economics, Wriston joined the United States Navy during World War II, serving as a lieutenant on a destroyer.

Major Accomplishments


Wriston's most notable achievement was his tenure as the CEO of Citibank (then known as First National City Bank) from 1967 to 1984. During his leadership, he transformed the bank into a global financial powerhouse through strategic expansions and innovative business practices. Wriston was also instrumental in introducing the concept of "dollarization," which allowed foreign governments to peg their currencies to the US dollar.

Notable Works or Actions


One of Wriston's most significant contributions to the world of finance was his pioneering work in the development of electronic banking and the introduction of credit cards. He recognized early on that technology could be a game-changer for banks, allowing them to offer faster, more convenient services to their customers.

Impact and Legacy


Wriston's impact on the financial sector extended far beyond his time at Citibank. His vision for globalized banking helped pave the way for international cooperation and collaboration in finance. He also played a key role in shaping the modern banking system by introducing new technologies and business models that have had lasting effects on the industry.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Wriston's insightful quotes and statements about the future of banking and technology continue to be widely referenced today. His forward-thinking approach, combined with his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, has made him a legend in the world of finance. He is remembered for his innovative spirit, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence, all of which have left an indelible mark on the financial sector.

Throughout his life, Wriston was known for his remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to his core values. As a leader, he inspired generations of bankers and financiers with his unwavering optimism and relentless pursuit of innovation.

Walter B. Wriston's legacy serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and collaboration in shaping the course of history. His contributions to the world of finance continue to inspire and guide future leaders, ensuring that his impact will be felt for years to come.

Quotes by Walter Wriston

The greatest testimony to the human spirit that I’m witnessing now is the fact that people still come back to work, after all that has been done to them. They are still willing to participate for a more positive future if they would be sincerely invited.
"
The greatest testimony to the human spirit that I’m witnessing now is the fact that people still come back to work, after all that has been done to them. They are still willing to participate for a more positive future if they would be sincerely invited.
WW
Every line in the government’s budget has its own constituency.
"
Every line in the government’s budget has its own constituency.
WW
When you retire you go from Who’s Who to Who’s That?
"
When you retire you go from Who’s Who to Who’s That?
WW
There’ll be a growing disparity between economics and politics. An economy that grows so rapidly is intractably global. On the other hand, the current political system is intractably national. So there is a growing dichotomy between a global economy and locally based politics.
"
There’ll be a growing disparity between economics and politics. An economy that grows so rapidly is intractably global. On the other hand, the current political system is intractably national. So there is a growing dichotomy between a global economy and locally based politics.
WW
Human capital will go where it is wanted, and it will stay where it is well treated. It cannot be driven; it can only be attracted.
"
Human capital will go where it is wanted, and it will stay where it is well treated. It cannot be driven; it can only be attracted.
WW
#wells
Information about money has become almost as important as money itself.
"
Information about money has become almost as important as money itself.
WW
#important
All of life is the management of risk, not its elimination.
"
All of life is the management of risk, not its elimination.
WW
#life-is
Countries don't go out of business....The infrastructure doesn't go away, the productivity of the people doesn't go away, the natural resources don’t go away. And so their assets always exceed their liabilities, which is the technical reason for bankruptcy. And that's very different from a company.
"
Countries don't go out of business....The infrastructure doesn't go away, the productivity of the people doesn't go away, the natural resources don’t go away. And so their assets always exceed their liabilities, which is the technical reason for bankruptcy. And that's very different from a company.
WW
#country
Capital will always go where it’s welcome and stay where it’s well treated. Capital is not just money. It’s also talent and ideas. They, too, will go where they’re welcome and stay where they are well treated.
"
Capital will always go where it’s welcome and stay where it’s well treated. Capital is not just money. It’s also talent and ideas. They, too, will go where they’re welcome and stay where they are well treated.
WW
#ideas
I walk into all these organizations, and I'm always puzzled when I realize that people still want to be there. Most people really want to love their organizations. We need that level of commitment ... Yet organizations have done very little to deserve that kind of staying-power.
"
I walk into all these organizations, and I'm always puzzled when I realize that people still want to be there. Most people really want to love their organizations. We need that level of commitment ... Yet organizations have done very little to deserve that kind of staying-power.
WW
#loyalty
Showing 1 to 10 of 37 results