While you might be thinking about starting your own career in investment banking, you may be wondering about the job duties involved. Here are some common responsibilities in investment banking:
Equity financing
Investment banking is a specialty in which a company raises money from investors in exchange for shares. The process begins with a public offering of securities. Often, the term “underwriting” is used incorrectly, as it implies a firm’s guarantee to purchase securities from the issuing company. However, in reality, there are two different approaches to raising equity funding. Equity Bankers, also known as Equity Bankers, work with companies raising common equity, which is raised through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or Secondary Offering (STO).
Equity research is also a specialty of investment banks, and equity analysts work in equity research units, initiating coverage of companies to develop relationships that lead to profitable investment banking. However, in the 1990s, some equity analysts allegedly traded favorable stock ratings with investment banking clients in exchange for their business. They would threaten companies to transfer their business to competitors if the stock rating wasn’t favorable, but the practice has been curtailed by increased pressure from regulators after the collapse of the dot-com bubble in 2001.
Middle office
Investment banks may have a front and middle office. The front office, which provides investment advice, may specialize in commercial or merchant banking, investment management, or global transaction banking. The middle office typically handles risk management, financial controls, corporate treasury, compliance, and corporate strategy. Middle office professionals are integral to the bank’s capital raising efforts. These departments work together to develop and implement strategies that support the bank’s overall financial goals.
Back office
In investment banking, there are several levels of support provided by the back office. While back office professionals do not trade directly with clients, they are critical to their front office colleagues. These support functions often overlap, but are typically categorized under the categories of accounting, operations, HR, and IT. Here’s an overview of the back office of investment banking. Read on to learn more about these different roles and their role in investment banking. Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll be ready to join this growing industry.
Investment banks have many back office roles, but they’re not as glamorous as the front-office professionals. Back-office employees perform essential functions to ensure that the bank runs smoothly. They ensure that trades are settled, investments are paid, and payrolls are made. They also ensure that the firm stays compliant with regulations. In short, this job description is highly diverse. You will have the chance to work with different asset classes and in a global dynamic.
Salary
Starting salaries in investment banking can be high, but not overly so. Most investment banking jobs offer base salaries of about $85k, with bonus payments often topping $100,000. The highest bonuses are generally reserved for top perpetual, and these are awarded at the end of the year during a year marked by perfect market conditions. The compensation of an investment banking job can be as much as $120,000 more than an average salary in a business school.
The career path within IB is generally linear, but titles may differ from one bank to another. Here’s an example of the typical front office hierarchy at an investment bank, including salaries and bonus structures. These compensation figures are averages based on compensation at large US investment banks, but compensation may vary in other regions and smaller banks. For example, investment banking internships provide a valuable opportunity for banks to screen candidates for future positions.
Education
There are many options for your education in investment banking, but the most important thing to consider is the type of degree you want. Investment banking is an extremely competitive field, and an education with a business focus is highly desirable. Most investment banks prefer people with a degree in accounting, business, economics, or a related field. However, you can also pursue a degree in economics or finance if these subjects appeal to you more.
Top investment banks are very interested in reinforcing fundamental knowledge and refreshing basic skills. However, many smaller banks do not offer formal training programs, or offer highly abbreviated courses. The most popular courses are self-study programs for individuals that are designed to equip new hires with the necessary skills to excel in investment banking. If you’re looking to improve your profile, you’ll want to focus on these programs. You’ll be surprised by how many investment banks are willing to train you.