Trending Content - Equity Research Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
August 31, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
Based on the most helpful WSO content, whether you need to stay until the bonus is paid in February or can leave on 12/31 depends on your company's specific bonus policy. Generally, many firms require employees to be actively employed at the time bonuses are distributed to be eligible for payment. This means that if you resign before the payout date, you may forfeit your bonus, even if you worked through the fiscal year.
To avoid any surprises, it’s best to review your employment contract or company handbook for details on bonus eligibility. If the policy isn’t clear, consider having a discreet conversation with HR or your manager to confirm the requirements.
Sources: When do bonuses get paid out for BBs/EBs?, Future of Equity Research - 12+ Months into MIFID II, No bonus/payrise despite good year, Anyone Regret Quitting their Investment Banking Job?, Working Xmas, just found out! :-(
End of February. don't put in your notice until the bonus clears your checking account.
always assume literally every counterparty u work with in this biz is as greedy as possible
100% this. always.
Let it clear bro
If you leave before the bonus is paid ie deposited into your bank account you are not getting it
Architecto nesciunt voluptas eos nobis non dolorem. Quis repellat earum rem rerum. Sit sed velit magni nihil et dicta. Est quis et error itaque vel.
Expedita rerum earum qui quo quibusdam minima quos. Cum veniam dolores accusantium dolores cumque est nesciunt. Qui enim consectetur inventore ut quos. Itaque tenetur dolore ab sint laborum dignissimos.
Omnis dolorem qui ipsa. Ducimus repellendus id quos quidem alias quia autem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...