Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf on dealmaking: Now is the time to get it done

Summary

Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf discusses the active healthcare M&A environment, broader dealmaking momentum, and why now is a favorable window to get deals done. He highlights Wells Fargo's investment banking share gains, loan and financing growth after the asset cap lift, and rising return targets. The interview frames Wells Fargo as early in its investment banking expansion with management confident in reaching 17-18% ROTCE.

• Wells Fargo's healthcare conference drew over 300 companies and 850 investors, nearly double last year.
• Scharf sees healthcare and broader M&A continuing due to available capital, industry change, and the current administration.
• Wells Fargo's US investment bank market share rose to 4.3% from 2.5% and announced M&A rank improved to #6 from #14.
• Scharf says loan growth is not being driven by aggressive pricing; high-return financing assets are being added back with moderating margin impact.
• Wells Fargo achieved its 15% ROTCE target and now expects to reach 17-18% ROTCE.
• Management sees growth starting across every Wells Fargo business and feels comfortable about the earnings trajectory.