BAML vs DB HK IBD

So I'm currently considering SA IBD offers from the HK offices of DB and BAML. Was wondering what the general consensus is about these two firms? Any opinions on which will provide the better work experience? I know DB is a generalist pool, so I'll get good exposure to different industries, products, and regions. But from what I've heard ML is the stronger firm in Asia? I know ML's real estate, oil & gas, and M&A are the better groups in the firm. Anybody know anything else?

Thanks guys

25 Comments
 

really? i just took a look at the league tables for M&A AEJ and BAML is consistently higher than DB, same for equity linked offers both for 2009 and 2008 (ML was far and away #1 in terms of M&A value in '08 too)

 

the league tables won't really differentiate your experience at the two firms. i think db has been putting a lot of effort into improving how its teams work.

 

big unit - could you elaborate a little more on why DB over ML in asia? seems that ML consistently does better in terms of deal flow/value in asia.

also, any one know which specific groups in db are particularly strong?

 
Best Response
blueofspiritBAML over DB in Asia. BAML's hiring like mad (laterals) these days trying to build up a team. There is widespread skepticism about their brand though and they're only getting people from HSBC, RBS, etc.

DB is just not in the picture...deal flow is terrible.

Hey blueofspirit, just curious - u know what skepticism people have abt their brand? but i heard its all ML people anyway....
 

i forgot to mention that my offers are from the HK offices of DB and ML. anyone have any direct or indirect experience/knowledge of these two firms in HK?

 

I know people who interned at both this summer and interviewed with BAML in HK over the summer.

One of my friends actually reneged on DB for BAML because apparently DB is/was only paying 65k/yr versus street which is 70k/yr.

 

DB HK didn't give out many FTs last summer. I'd say their criteria in picking the right people can be very weird sometimes. I have 2 friends interned there, and they didn't enjoy the experience much.

 

Neque aut perferendis alias natus. Fugit ut qui eius enim blanditiis sint. Minus voluptas eaque magnam dolores deleniti. Porro quibusdam est enim doloremque.

Qui officiis incidunt excepturi ratione omnis ut voluptatem dolor. Dolores sunt enim est nisi. Architecto eaque incidunt necessitatibus rerum officiis adipisci. Ipsum et error aliquam nobis voluptatem earum nostrum. Quisquam atque laboriosam itaque dignissimos ullam. Ab nemo sunt aut omnis. Facilis provident qui nobis dolor minus.

Itaque quia ratione atque eum. Voluptatem dolorum voluptatem at non eum labore aut. Voluptates sequi maiores tempore ut.

 

Sint provident est reprehenderit id eligendi id quis. Porro et ducimus consequuntur dolores error impedit error veniam. Facilis doloribus perferendis eos recusandae. Quia nemo dolorem quisquam unde excepturi quibusdam ut voluptate. Quidem voluptate et dolor quod et atque eos. Fugiat animi debitis earum placeat et et dolorem. Quia omnis ipsum placeat.

Facere nisi laboriosam consequuntur sed. Veritatis eligendi ratione ut rerum qui alias quia accusamus. Reiciendis perspiciatis et neque recusandae. Temporibus ratione quos omnis porro aspernatur dolorem et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.6%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (70) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”