Universal Bank vs. Independent Brokerage

MAdude — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:28:14 -0400

More calls for Citi to be broken-up and steps by UBS to move in that direction are once again in vogue . . .

. . . yet barely a month ago when it looked like Lehman was headed to zero, everyone spoke of the end of the independent brokerage, going so far as to suggest a Goldman/Wachovia marriage.

Maybe its just me, but at the end of the day I think bank model is more or less irrelevant to success. Thoughts . . .

surviving a training cut

MAdude — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:21:31 -0400

I'm starting as an FT associate at a BB bank this summer and have heard that in lieu of rescinding offers banks often cut the bottom 25%-50% of the class out of training . . .

On what criteria is this decision usually made? Is there some sort of end-of-training test? Any recommendations on how I can prepare before I start?

Also, if it is a political decision I may be screwed considering I didn't summer there and don't have any real champions inside. Any recommendations here either?

Layoffs to come in your IBD?

MAdude — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:50:29 -0400

Is anyone willing to speculate on what layoffs at the analyst/associate level in your group/department are going to be through 2008? Please only comment on a group you work in/with . . . none of that "my friend at Citi, etc." I'm especially interested in M&A groups.