This case traces the history of Goldman Sachs from its origins as it grows from a partnership to one of the most valuable franchises in the global securities industry and ultimately a listed corporation, and its transformation into a bank holding company under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Reserve.

Microfinance investment opportunities have been well received by Credit Suisse clients seeking socially responsible investments. They provide a "double bottom line": a positive financial return (despite the global financial crisis), and a social impact by offering first-time access to financial services to the poor.

The case describes the rapid development of BCP into one of the largest banks in Portugal with 6 distinct networks and hundreds of branches. Its growth was based largely on a strategy of customer responsiveness, rooted in a sophisticated approach to market segmentation and in a bold use of information technology and innovation to gain competitive advantage.