Robert Schwerdel M.B.A. ’86

Member of Adelphi University’s Profiles in Success program.

Managing Director, The Private Bank of The Bank of New York

Building the Public Face of a Private Bank

For Bob Schwerdel M.B.A. ’86, the phrase “being thrown to the wolves” brings back positive memories.

As a young banker in the 1987 merger between the Long Island Trust and The Bank of New York, he was pushed into unexpected leadership roles and responsibilities that furthered his entire career.

Throughout the 1990s, Mr. Schwerdel drew upon his knowledge of investment management and estate planning, to help build the boutique Private Bank within the larger retail structure of the Bank of New York. When the bank decided to focus exclusively on its private banking operations several years ago, he knew that the suburbs of Long Island represented a strong growth area.

In 2005, Mr. Schwerdel relocated to Long Island as the Long Island Market Executive for The Private Bank directing all of the firm’s efforts and activities on Long Island.

As the oldest American bank still operating under its original name, and the oldest private bank in the United States, the Bank of New York prides itself on a unique heritage of personal service and trust. One glance inside the Garden City office reveals a blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities that reflects the bank’s commitment to its history, and its mission to provide cutting-edge investment management for today’s clients.

Before relocating to Long Island, Mr. Schwerdel ran the Family Wealth Management Group within the Private Bank’s offices in New York City.

Mr. Schwerdel attended Adelphi for two years as an undergraduate student, before transferring to the business school at the State University of New York at Albany. In 1982, he returned to Adelphi to pursue an M.B.A. in Banking and Finance to further his banking career.

He chose Adelphi because he was familiar with the University, and was pleased to discover how many of his professors were bankers and senior executives in the financial industry. They brought unparalleled expertise to the classroom.

Mr. Schwerdel lives in Huntington, New York with his wife Diane. He advises all students and job-seekers to remember that “Your first thoughts about a career and the daily reality of working life are often different. You will gain the most valuable perspectives from young professionals, who have been in their jobs for four to six years.”