BAML vs. CS

I've seen the league tables but know that CS has traditionally had the top ranked LevFin and Sponsors groups, while BAML crushed last year. I'm wondering which firm has the best culture and groups for someone coming in at the Associate level. Any advice welcomed, many thanks.

 

entirely group dependent

"Look, you're my best friend, so don't take this the wrong way. In twenty years, if you're still livin' here, comin' over to my house to watch the Patriots games, still workin' construction, I'll fuckin' kill you. That's not a threat, that's a fact.
 

If you were an analyst looking to exit in 2 years, I'd tell you CS because of the historic prestige, but as an associate I'd lean towards BAML (which also has a killer Sponsor's group too). You really have to be wary of the long-term prospects of the European banks, especially with the recent flip around on the US league tables.

 

Thanks, that's all helpful - and yes, I'm aware of the bifurcation between the US banks (particularly those with balance sheets) and the European banks (esp. the Swiss banks). I know that CS M&A revenues fell 36% last year and more and more of their business is going to elite boutiques, but wondering if culture/group placement/exit opps/historic prestige could be a saving grace for CS.

abacab I appreciate the note about CS LevFin and Sponsors. I'm an MBA with an offer from one of them and waiting to hear back from the other, also waiting to hear from one of the top west coast tech groups which would be my first choice since I'm originally from SF. In that vein, does anyone know the current state of CS and BAML's tech groups in SF? Much appreciated everyone, thank you.

Long V, MA, AXP, DOGE.
 

Also wondering what the short- to mid-range impacts of Swiss regulations vs. Volcker Rule is going to mean for deal flow/comp/job security. I know that Basel III hit CS hard and Finma is still circling, but wondering how hard BAML is going to get hit by Volcker.

Long V, MA, AXP, DOGE.
 
CashFlowInvestor:

Also wondering what the short- to mid-range impacts of Swiss regulations vs. Volcker Rule is going to mean for deal flow/comp/job security. I know that Basel III hit CS hard and Finma is still circling, but wondering how hard BAML is going to get hit by Volcker.

Did you find an answer for this? I'd be interested in knowing as well.

Thanks!

 

not sure how strong BAMLs LA office is. they still take about 4-5 FT analysts each year but i heard of the graduating analyst class only one got into a mid-tier mm pe shop and the others have no offers with a similar scenario the year prior and one going to business development at a fortune 100 company.

I don't throw darts at a board. I bet on sure things. Read Sun-tzu, The Art of War. Every battle is won before it is ever fought- GG
 

I would vote for BAML, marginally. Could go the other way if you thought you had even a slightly better shot of getting into your preferred groups at CS tho. Both good options - you're going to get varied opinions on this thread.

At the end of the day, no matter what people say, they are both solid mid-tier BB's and you're just going to have to make a gut choice.

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
 
wsoanon:

Sounds like you liked the people you met at CS. Go with CS. Honestly not huge discrepancies between the two so the people are the biggest factor.

sound advice from an SA candidate - def take this advice over other more exp. ppl

speed boost blaze
 
Best Response

Your rationale really does not make sense. They acquired ML over 5 years ago yet you are worried about legacy name and being a player outside of the US.

BAML is one of the biggest banks in the entire world, I'm pretty sure the name holds weight anywhere. You are joining the company baml, you aren't coming from BAS with the weaker name or ML with the stronger name, you are evaluating an internship at one company, BAML. The legacy name will make no difference on your career because you didn't work at BAS or ML.

Regardless, they are both mid-tier BBs, just pick based on what environment you liked more. It should be as simple as that.

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 

Voluptate nisi excepturi sed pariatur quia error. Ut et dignissimos voluptate illum.

Et aut ut sit earum sint rerum placeat. Illo qui eos id modi quasi cum. Tenetur nihil incidunt dolorem ut praesentium.

Id saepe nisi alias provident maiores voluptatem. Eum assumenda sequi dolores dolorem. Eveniet consequatur culpa blanditiis omnis ut a eveniet.

Nihil at perferendis id exercitationem nam ipsum. Voluptate nobis eius accusantium officia animi. Est iusto ea id eum repellendus. Vel voluptatem error voluptatem. Qui quas voluptas adipisci vel ut sit tenetur sapiente. Quod culpa enim amet maiores optio eos architecto.

 

Molestias laborum dolorum non et facilis aut et. Corrupti dicta tempora vitae distinctio perspiciatis repellat deleniti occaecati. Optio ipsam modi quidem doloremque.

Eaque quisquam iste optio pariatur nulla illum. Ut labore sit esse distinctio similique soluta. Dolor cumque veritatis quas.

Libero optio aut est cupiditate aliquid. Ab qui possimus tempore voluptatem. Ipsum reiciendis optio omnis tempore est iste hic sunt.

Laborum veritatis qui rerum in aut quos. Esse vero culpa ipsam dolorum. Numquam omnis recusandae voluptatem est est et hic. Esse placeat sapiente eos nisi vel cupiditate eius. Quo enim quia ut debitis et et ut. Quaerat aut sint enim sed vitae.

.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”