Chairman, CEO, Carpenter & Co.
WHY: Longtime banking investor. In 1974 founded company that he still calls “startup.” Is nation’s pre-eminent authority on starting banks, having advised 500 banks, 200 credit unions on how to get off the ground. Has sold stakes in banks like Heritage Oaks Bancorp, Plaza, Bridge Capital.
RECENT: Forced to sell stake in Pacific Mercantile due to closure of a fund of his; remains chairman.
QUOTABLE: “The question is will the disruptors be fintech or the banks themselves? I think the banks will be the greatest disruptors because they have more capability to move forward. They have more access to capital.”
