We've noted that analyst Richard Bove is a "reporters' best friend" sort of analyst. At 67, he's been covering banks for 26 years and he's definitely in his prime--he's gotten better with age. "Bove has gained a certain reputation as one of the few bank analysts to predict the blow-up in the housing market and subsequent problems at many banks. He is also one of the few whose advice, if heeded, would have made money for investors over the past year." Few analysts these days are publicizing "who's next" lists of failing banks. He's tough on executives--unafraid of CEOs at Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and others. At Ladenburg Thalmann, he's got what he thinks is a fine perch from which to criticize. He's negative still on investment banks but thinks some commercial banks have turned the corner.     

For more:
- here's the Times profile