Best Corporate Banking Groups for Exits

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about the best Corporate Banking (CB) groups for exits:

Key Insights:

1. Groups with Strong Modeling Skills:

   • Groups that involve significant modeling tend to have better exit opportunities, particularly into Private Credit.

2. Banks with Integrated CB and IB Divisions:

   • Banks where Corporate Banking (CB) is under the same umbrella as Investment Banking (IB) generally offer better pay, decent hours, and good exit opportunities. Examples include:
     • Citi: Known for having CB and IB divisions under the same umbrella, which facilitates better exits.

3. Common Exit Opportunities:

   • Debt Investing: Private credit funds, CLOs, and other credit funds.
   • Investment Banking (IB): Lateral moves within the bank are common.
   • Corporate Finance and Treasury: Especially at the VP level and above.
   • Other Roles: Management consulting, business school, and corporate development.

4. Specific Banks and Groups:

   • US Bulge Bracket Banks (JPM/BofA/Citi): These banks are often mentioned as having the best exits among CB professionals due to their integrated CIB (Corporate and Investment Banking) structure.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Analyst/Associate Level Exits:

  • Investment Banking (IB)
  • Debt-related banking teams (DCM, LevFin, Private Placements)
  • Debt-investing (Private Credit, CLOs)
  • Corporate Finance and Treasury

• VP and Above Exits:

  • Corporate Treasury
  • Treasurer roles
  • CFO roles
  • Other banks

Additional Tips:

• Networking: Building a strong internal network can facilitate moves to almost any group within the bank.
• Performance: Demonstrating strong industry knowledge and high-quality work can open up opportunities in capital markets, syndication, M&A, etc.

Conclusion:

For the best exits in Corporate Banking, aim for groups that involve significant modeling and are part of banks with integrated CIB structures, particularly at US Bulge Bracket Banks like JPM, BofA, and Citi. These setups provide a conducive environment for transitioning to roles in Private Credit, IB, and other high-profile finance positions.

Sources: BB Corporate Banking Exit Opps?, 2017 Commercial/Corporate Banking Bonuses, Barclays IBD - Best Groups / Exit Ops?, An Overview of Corporate Banking, Corporate Banking?