He failed his accountancy

BY HIS own admission, Ross McEwan has experienced failure and been overlooked in a career that has seen him switch hemispheres in order to get to the top of the banking profession.

Two years ago the 56-yearold New Zealander was passed over in the race to become chief executive of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, even though he was widely seen as being groomed for the role.

If that raised eyebrows among more conservative figures in the City, it was also revealed that he once told a university magazine that he had twice failed an accountancy exam and was “more comfortable with people than figures”.

But a dose of humility may serve him well in an industry which has earned a dubious reputation for self-gratification. Mr McEwan’s decision to forfeit his bonus for two years and take a lower salary than Stephen Hester, whom he replaces, is a deliberate acknowledgement of continuing public outrage over banking excess.

However, the sacrifice will

“reviresco: i will grow strong again” McEwan clan motto

branch network. In an interview with T he Scotsman in April he outlined his plans to put customers first and adopt new ways of allowing them to engage with the bank.

He will take over the top job at a time when the bank is on the mend but still in need of care and attention. It will require the combined skills of a street fighter and a diplomat to cope with political, as well as the ongoing pressures of restoring RBS to full health and to the private sector.

Mr McEwan may be a New