There is no denying that Commerzbank has its fair share of missionary zeal in Germany’s capital. Recently writing about one of its representatives, a major daily newspaper in Berlin stated, "When Folker Streib, a member of Commerzbank’s management team in Berlin, talks about Germany’s new capital, he is transformed from being a banker into an ambassador." There is a good reason for this. In 1995, Streib moved from Tokyo directly to Berlin, Europe’s fastest changing metropolises, known throughout the world for its booming construction and development.

Since then, Streib’s core message has been clear and he repeats it on every occasion that presents itself, "Thanks to its new role as a center for many political and business interests, Berlin has quite special, fascinating advantages by international comparison as a business location. The exciting thing about the German capital’s development is that no one can really say today where this huge center for business startups is heading. This is the new metropolis, in terms of architecture, people, society and business, to be created in such a highly industrialized country. What is more, we have more parks than any other European metropolis, a vibrant central area where people actually live, an outstanding range of cultural attractions and a unique choice of leisure-time activities."

Streib is not only a seasoned ambassador on behalf of Berlin, but also an admirer of Japan and an expert on Asia. His motto "just different" means that foreign cultures are neither better nor worse than one’s own - just different. The motto is based on years of experience and has had a considerable shaping influence on Streib’s activities in Berlin, where the world’s cultures are now meeting once again in all their diversity.

Streib lived and worked in Japan for eight years. He was general manager of Commerzbank’s outlet in Tokyo, and for three years prior to his return to Germany, he was president of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan. One year before he moved to Commerzbank in Berlin, his book "The Typhoon: Japan and the Future of German Industry" appeared in Germany. The title was designed to generate something like a head wind and to blow up a storm of its own, as one German professor put it in a review of the book.

Streib is also blowing up a storm in Berlin when it comes to the subject of globalization. He says that "globalization has not only created a world market in goods and capital, but also a world market in ideas." In order to make Berlin even more attractive as a business location, Streib argues in favor of a new constitution which will give more powers to those responsible for the city. He believes this way decisions could be made more rapidly and implemented more efficiently.

In July 1996, shortly after he took up his position at Commerzbank in Berlin, Streib set up the International Counter at Commerzbank’s headquarters, right in the heart of Berlin, . He was convinced of the potential that lay in the idea of offering newly arrived foreign companies, embassies and newcomers to Berlin an entirely new style bank service which not only speak in the language of the customer, but also expertise on clients' needs in the new environment.

He was proved right. His team at the International Counter is made up of qualified, highly motivated Commerzbank staff, who have expert knowledge of both Berlin and banking, and in addition are able to conduct their everyday business in several languages. Streib said, "Today, Commerzbank in Berlin is not only an ambassador for Berlin, but also the friend of many ambassadors. We are the No.1 bank in Berlin as far as looking after the international community is concerned. Our International Counter service is unique."

In order to appreciate the ambassadorial role played by Commerzbank’s International Counter team in Berlin, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at their daily work, recognized for its quality around the world. "Virtually everyday, our team is confronted with unusual requests," said Ilka Hartmann, head of the International Counter. The International Counter’s nine-person team has dealt with more than 5,000 queries from foreign clients. Roughly 1,200 foreign firms and private customers are looked after by this unit.

Such exceptional commitment has had a substantial impact on the reputation of the bank within Berlin’s international community. Recommendations are passed on by word of mouth. In addition, members of the team regularly visit embassies and consulates, look after multinational companies and organize in-house presentations and discussion forums for clients. Once a year, in February, the International Counter invites its multicultural clientele to an informal get-together. As a result, those taking part can also make social contacts in Berlin through the bank.

As an ambassador for Berlin, Streib is definitely a model for Hartmann. "A friendly, smooth acclimatization is important for Berlin to really become an open metropolis," she said. Although for some people, Germany tends to lack quality services, she aims to create a climate which is attractive to company executives and investors alike.