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ArchiveAugust 3 2008

Terry Baker-Self (1945-2008)

Terry Baker-Self was the driving force behind The Banker’s bank listings for almost a decade. There was little Terry didn’t understand about bank accounts and the intricacies of the Basel capital requirements. Under his leadership, the Top 1000 ranking became the foremost information source for the industry. Sadly Terry died, after a long battle with cancer, shortly before the publication of this year’s listing.
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Even from his hospital bed Terry managed to orchestrate the compilation of the data with the grit and determinat­ion that had been his hallmark. All of The Banker’s readers and editorial staff owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Terry’s meticulous care, boundless energy and attention to detail gave the listings added clout and credibility in an increasingly complex financial world where a bank’s global ranking is seen as absolutely critical. Terry was always unfazed by the pressures of the job, the lamentations of bankers who wanted their institution to be given larger representation than the figures merited, as well as the pleas of sub-editors to give them the data for publication before he was totally satisfied as to its credibility.

He provided the rock-steady foundation for the reputation of The Banker’s rankings, as well as incisive commentary, especially in his Bottom Line column.

But he did much more than crunch numbers and analyse banks. A nuclear physicist by training, Terry had a long career in research, including more than 20 years in technology development at Rank Xerox, before joining The Banker in 1999.

He also had a wide range of outside interests, which stretched from a great love of jazz to close involvement in London’s Tower Theatre, as well as considerable prowess as a cricketer and a lifelong ­membership of Chelsea ­football club.

Terry was a generous and principled individual who was highly regarded by all those who came into contact with him. He will be sorely missed by The Banker team, family and friends.

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