Ernest Ginsberg

Ernest Ginsberg, Prominent Banking Attorney, Dies at 91

Founding Executive of Republic National Bank of New York in 1966 alongside international banker Edmond Safra, whose family traces its banking history back to the Ottoman Empire.

Republic was well known in the banking industry as one of the most highly respected institutions, known for safety, soundness and an industry leading capital position, as well as for its creativity. Republic and its affiliates, which grew to be amongst the largest US banks prior to its sale to HSBC in 1999, was the first corporation worldwide to issue a 1,000-year bond.

Ernest Ginsberg, who held numerous positions at the bank including General Counsel and Vice Chairman of the Board was known for his dedication, his hard work, his deep knowledge of banking laws and regulations and his creative ability. During the 1970's, when interest rates were firmly regulated by the Federal Reserve, Mr. Ginsberg was instrumental in creating a reward program for bank depositors to earn Sony televisions and other appliances for new account openings and client referrals in addition to interest. This program became so popular that not only did it grow the bank customer base significantly, but it ultimately resulted in Republic becoming the nation's leading Sony television distributor for a time.

Born in Syracuse, New York on February 14, 1931, Mr. Ginsberg graduated from Syracuse University in 1953 and Syracuse Law School in 1955, where he met his wife Harriet Gay Scharf. He later received his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University in 1963.

Mr. Ginsberg began his legal career in private practice prior to joining the Internal Revenue Service, followed by positions at the Comptroller of the Currency, both in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Ginsberg was recruited by Edmond Safra in 1966 to join the launch of Republic National Bank in New York.

During his distinguished career, he served as President of the New York Bankers Association, a Director of both the American Bankers Association and the Bankers Roundtable, a member of the Board of Governors of Syracuse Law School, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York.

More than his distinguished business career, his family remembers him most for his love and dedication to family, his intelligence, wit and kindness.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Harriet Gay Ginsberg, his sons Alan and Robert Ginsberg, his daughter-in-law Janet Ginsberg, his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Jeff Stein and his grandchildren Natalie, Peter, Jessica, Kelly and Alexa.

His funeral service was performed by his nephew Navy Lt. Aaron Kleinman, a former pilot and currently a Navy Rabbi and Chaplain.

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