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Guardians of Capital: Inside the Post-SVB Treasury Playbook
CCB New York’s Treasurer Frank Sansone discusses why Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse changed little for him—and why proactive liquidity strategy, not reactionary reform, is the only defense against systemic shocks.
May 15, 2025
Edwin Njenga
Edwin Njenga, Head of Marketing, CeFPro
Frank Sansone
Frank Sansone, SVP, Treasurer, China Construction Bank
Tags: ALM, Treasury and Liquidity Risk
The views and opinions expressed in this content are those of the thought leader as an individual and are not attributed to CeFPro or any other organization

In this revealing interview, Frank Sansone, Treasurer at China Construction Bank’s New York branch, offers a candid perspective on the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse.

Despite widespread alarm, Sansone argues that the event only reinforced the value of strategies he already had in place—meticulous planning, crisis-tested liquidity management, and a refusal to cut corners when it comes to balance sheet integrity.

Drawing on his experience at Dexia during the 2008 crisis, Sansone emphasizes that foresight, not reform, is the true antidote to instability.

Sansone commends the Federal Reserve for acknowledging its supervisory missteps in the SVB case, particularly through Michael Barr’s critical 2023 report.

However, the most lasting change, he suggests, isn’t in the rules themselves but in a cultural shift—heightened scrutiny, greater supervisory assertiveness, and a push for banks to be better prepared for extreme liquidity events.

CCB New York, operating independently from its global HQ due to time zone constraints, has implemented a custom Liquidity Survival Horizon ratio designed to ensure 45–60 days of operational autonomy under stress.

For Sansone, longevity in treasury practices comes from institutionalizing lessons—not just learning them. CCB formalizes improvements into written policies to ensure they outlast individual careers.

As capital and liquidity requirements continue to evolve, he warns of mounting pressure on profitability and urges treasury teams to serve as guardians of capital—not passive executors of regulation.

His final advice? Talk to your peers. Stay visible. Stay informed. And never assume the next crisis will wait for you to catch up.

Edwin Njenga Bio

Edwin Njenga is a seasoned marketing professional with a robust background in financial services and event management. Currently serving as the Senior Marketing Manager at the Center for Financial Professionals (CeFPro)

Edwin Njenga
Frank Sansone Bio

 Frank joined China Construction Bank NY branch (CCB) in 2014 as SVP & Treasurer of. Was Treasurer for Dexia Credit Local US , where Frank launched the Dexia US operations as USD global competence center to USD 70 billion, following Treasurer of the National Bank of Kuwait US operations.  Frank chaired the US Liquidity Contingency Committees of both Dexia & NBK; leading Dexia global USD liquidity management efforts during the crisis of 2008, 10 & 11; and NBK during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.  A forward thinking seasoned risk strategist and influential thought leader, Frank leverages a thorough understanding of the mechanics of treasury to manage the evolving regulations on treasury. Frank has worked as an independent advisor and consultant. Recent engagements included European, American, Asian and Middle Eastern banks, hedge funds and a private equity firm specifically focusing on Treasury Best Practices, Liquidity and FTP.  Frank is a regular speaker at industry conferences, moderating the 2012 IIF (Institute of International Finance) Executive Program on Treasury Risk. Presented at the IQPC CFO Conference 2016. Chaired the Marcus Evans Annual 2013 & 2015, 16 Liquidity Conference and 2013, 14, 15, Annual Funds Transfer Pricing and BSM. Presented at 2015 Funds Mgt. Conference.

Frank Sansone
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