Information checkedInformation unaudited Information geprüft Information ungeprüft Five names in 42 years – and a heart for clients

Roger has been with LLB for over four decades. In this interview, he talks about memorable moments such as the stock market crash of 1987, the days when banking transactions were still done on a typewriter – and why personal contact with clients has remained the most important thing to him to this day.

By Cornelia Zeh

Roger, how long have you been with LLB?

In November it will be 42 years – so 41 years and 10 months to be precise.

I already completed my apprenticeship at what was then Sarganserländische Bank in Bad Ragaz. After the apprenticeship, I worked in accounting at the rehabilitation clinic in Valens, as I thought I would become an accountant. But it was such a lonely job – so I decided to change direction again.

And as things sometimes go, my former boss from my apprenticeship days called and asked if I'd like to come back. No sooner said than done – I started in the securities department in the spring of 1987.

Can you still remember your first day at work?

Not really my first day as an apprentice, but I remember my return to work in 1987 all the more clearly. It was during carnival season, and of course, I'd been celebrating quite a bit. So I wasn't exactly at my best that day – but luckily, I was forgiven.

Was there an experience from that time that particularly stuck with you?

Oh yes! I returned to the bank in spring 1987 and went on holiday in October. No sooner was I back than the stock market crash – known as "Black Monday" – hit. It was the worst market collapse since 1929.

At that time, securities trading without collateral was still common. These LIQ or margin transactions were often agreed with terms of one to three months, and clients didn't have to pay for their securities purchases immediately – settlement only took place upon sale, but at the original entry prices. During the stock market crash, this became the downfall of many banks – including ours. That's why, in 1988, we merged with Bank vom Linthgebiet to form Bank Linthgebiet-Sarganserland.

The general meeting on the merger back then was highly emotional and lasted four or five hours. The triple sports hall in Sargans was packed. There was strong resistance to the merger, as shareholders feared losing their identity as Sarganserländer.

How has the bank changed over all these years?

Very significantly, of course – especially when I think about all the name changes and the mergers and acquisitions that came with them. From Sarganserländische Bank to Bank Linthgebiet-Sarganserland, then to Bank Linth, then Bank Linth LLB, and today we are LLB Schweiz. As I mentioned earlier, there was strong resistance to the merger with Bank vom Linthgebiet. And each of the other changes also meant we had to have difficult conversations with clients time and again. Personally, I was always very open to change and didn't think too much about it. But the clients' reactions did affect me deeply.

In addition to these major changes, the banking industry itself has evolved considerably. When I was an apprentice, the bank was still open on Saturdays, and we apprentices had to work every other Saturday. In Bad Ragaz, we were a team of 12 to 14 employees spread across three floors, serving clients at three counters. There were no ATMs back then, so our daily work involved deposits and withdrawals, foreign exchange, and cashing cheques from all over the world. Everything was done on typewriters, with carbon copies, of course – and mistakes were absolutely frowned upon. The arrival of the first electric typewriter was a real highlight!

And just as a side note: In 1984, shortly before completing my apprenticeship, I received my first EC card.

What's something you wish you could bring back from that time?

The answer is clear: The personal connection with clients. There were no emails, no smartphones – everything happened through face-to-face conversations or over the phone.

How has digitalisation changed your work?

I'd say the administrative workload has increased – even though we hardly use any paper anymore. I always joke that red is now my favourite colour, because most of my issues are marked in red.

Looking back: Is there anything you would do differently today?

I don't think so, because I had a good start to my career. A banking apprenticeship was highly respected back then. And I couldn't always influence everything that came after that.

I had briefly considered switching to IT, and I would have had the chance to do the training at Volksbank in Bern at the time. But my girlfriend back then – now my wife, by the way – didn't want to move to Bern. So I stayed here.

A client once asked me why I didn't go to Zurich – to Schweizerische Kreditanstalt or another big bank. I could have earned almost twice as much there. But I would have had a two-hour commute and would barely have seen my children in the mornings and evenings. I was happy to pass on that and spend more time with my family instead.

What advice would you give to new employees or apprentices at LLB?

Integrate yourself into the team and get involved. Be sure to ask questions and talk to your older colleagues as well. That's the best way to learn. And be patient!