A Most Private Bank by Andreas F. Clenow

Jim Dixon, the main character in A Most Private Bank, blows the lid off the cliché that bankers are dull, bureaucratic and risk-averse. Dixon’s world is the international banking community in Zurich. By setting the action against a background of private jets, exclusive hotels and professional assassinations, Andreas F. Clenow has transformed a tale of high-end money management into a rollicking James Bond style adventure.

The action begins when an expensively dressed young woman walks into Dixon’s family finance office and introduces herself as the daughter of a former client. She makes an outrageous, but potentially highly profitable, business proposition. Although he understands the dangers involved only too well, Dixon’s inborn greed compels him to take on the challenge. Gradually he is drawn deep into an intricate, multi-faceted sting. When a close colleague is murdered, he realises his own life is in danger. He is left with nothing to rely on but his own quick wit and business experience.

Fifty year old Dixon, who is going through a divorce, is a hardened drinker and goes in for casual flings with women half his age. The only person he respects is Sandra, his administrator, a Moneypenny figure who knows him well enough to give him a hard time. So far so shady, but Clenow has given Dixon great lines and a cool swagger reminiscent of Humphrey Bogart. I found him intriguing.

I enjoyed reading about the objects the inhabitants of this rarefied environment use to display their status. Dixon has an emotional attachment to his collection of valuable watches. He keeps them in a safe at his office and selects one to wear according to who he is meeting. All kinds of exclusive brands are given a name check. The private plane where Dixon is held captive is described in jaw-dropping detail. It’s fascinating stuff.

I recommend this book to lovers of action adventure and anyone with an interest in the criminal side of international finance.