[Peroni]

In my mind there is no reason why just because I work for a bank that the technology part of the bank can't operate a similiar culture to web startups and leading tech companies like Google, Apple etc.

The issue with working in FInancial Services is Corporate governance & compliance. Every single detail in a bank is monitored & regulated to the point where there are unbelievably strict rules covering every element of the business. I appreciate culture can't be controlled by rules & regulations but it does tend to cripple creativity & freedom quite significantly.

Good luck.

[gte525u]

I agree - it seems like any regulated environment tends to evolve into a dreary office culture. That being said it's likely the OP could create a group that supports innovation or has a radically different culture, however, it'll be a target for internal politics. Best bet is cherry-picking best practices and then adopting them in phases.