Private Investment Banks versus Publicly Traded Investment Banks
I have been wondering this for quite sometime, and figured I would post it to the board. What are your guys thoughts on private versus public investment banks compensation structures. At the end of the day, most of the banks people think as of the most prestigious/highest paying are publicly traded. Whether it be a BB (GS, MS, BAML, DB, Citi, etc.) or an EB (EVR, LAZ, MC, etc.) they are all publicly traded. This means they have shareholders, and shareholders that want to minimize costs (think compensation).
The guys who made the real big bucks in banking, are the guys who joined these firms 20-30+ years ago, and were partners before they were public. Long story short do you think it is better to be a partner at a private investment bank or public?
This then begs the question what private investment banks are still out there. A handful of MM powerhouses (William Blair, Harris Williams, etc.). And newer younger EBs (Millstein, Centerview, etc.).
Not sure where I expect this to go. But would be curious to hear peoples thoughts....
Thanks,
BetaTrader