We think, over the long term, the real key to value of a bank is does it have true deposits from true long-term customers? People who actually know the bank, live in the neighborhood, work there, maybe have a mortgage there, credit card... That, to us, is the key to a bank.

If you think about it: a big bank in any country, what is it? Really, as an investment, it's a warrant on economy.

There isn't a bank in the world that could withstand a run. They all borrow short and lend long, regardless of what they say.

Wilbur Ross Quotes