Possibility of exiting to US HF from London?
Hi All,
Context: An1 at top BB top team and just got confirmation I will be ranked top bucket this year. I want to exit to MM L/S hedge fund next 12-18 months.
Ultimately, I feel the US is a far better place to start my HF career than London, do you know anyone who has jumped from London IB to US HF - importantly - without US citizenship/visa.
What would be my best next steps for getting to the US for HF roles? Recruit for a big MM in London and try to lateral once already inside?
Any anecdotal stories for recruiting for top US HF seats from London would be very well appreciated.
Exiting from London IB to a US hedge fund without US citizenship or a visa is challenging but not impossible. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key insights and strategies:
Visa Challenges: Without US citizenship or a visa, securing a role directly in the US is difficult. Most hedge funds are hesitant to sponsor visas unless you bring exceptional value or have a highly specialized skill set.
Recruiting for Big MMs in London: A common strategy is to join a large multi-manager (MM) hedge fund in London, such as Millennium, Citadel, or Point72. These firms often have global mobility programs, making it easier to transfer internally to their US offices after proving yourself.
Networking and Headhunters: Building a strong network is crucial. Many top hedge fund roles, especially in the US, are filled through personal networks rather than headhunters. Leverage connections with prime brokers, sell-side research, and other buyside professionals to get referrals.
Anecdotal Stories:
Preparation: To maximize your chances:
Timing: In London, hedge fund recruiting tends to be less structured than in the US. It’s common to stay in IB for 3-4 years before moving to a hedge fund. However, if you’re targeting a move within 12-18 months, start networking and preparing immediately.
While the path is competitive, focusing on joining a global MM in London and leveraging internal mobility or networking for a US transfer is likely your best bet.
Sources: Q&A: London L/S + event-driven analyst, Top L/S in London and Hong Kong (e.g., Lone Pine, Viking, Coatue, Maverick, Darsana, etc.), Student from Japan applying to IB in the US, Allianz Global Investors Graduate Programme vs IB?, Private Equity in London - US MFs vs European Funds
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