2025 UNBIASED PRESTIGE RANKINGS (OFFICIAL)
S++ : PJT RSSG, GS TMT, Q, EVR RX, CVP HC
S+ : CVP (rest), EVR M&A, GS FIG, JPM HC/M&A, MS MENLO/M&A, MOE LA/RX/HC
S : GS (rest), JPM (rest), MS (rest), MOE (rest), LAZ, PJT M&A, HL RX, PWP HC/RX, Allen&Co
A+ : PWP (rest), BofA FSG/M&A/REGL, Citi M&A/IND/FSG, Barc FSG/PU&I/TECH/HC
A : GUGG, BofA (rest), Citi (rest), Barc (rest), GHL, DUC, LionTree, Gordon Dyal
B+ : UBS GIG/LevFin/IND, JEFF, ROTHSCHILD, DB FSG/LevFin/REGL/IND
B : UBS (rest), DB (rest), HL M&A, RBC, WB, RJ CR (Financo), BMO M&M
C+: RJ (rest), TD Cowen HC/TECH, WF, Baird, Piper Sandler, HW
C : TD Cowen (rest), Solomon Partners, Nomura, Macquarie, FTP, Oppenheimer & Co.
D : HSBC, BNP Paribas, Mizuho, Stifel, Lincoln International, Cantor Fitzgerald
Accurate. but get a life
Accurate, but touch grass
Congrats on BMO, RJ, WB, MOE LA, LT, and Citi Tech
Sorry about the RJ rejection lil bro
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Congrats on Greenhill (Mizuho)
Very accurate but speak to a woman please
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Congrats on Ducera
Ducera has been crushing it. Maybe bump them down one level but I think otherwise this is pretty accurate.
The rest of MS groups are not all higher than the rest of the PWP groups
No one is taking PWP over MS
bro no one is taking fucking Perella over MS
Congrats on the MS
where is Baird on this list?
Accurate but have to give you hate for making a ranking
Accurate but have you modeled in the effects of touching grass?
MBA Associate chiming in
Typical MBA associate reply. Dumb and useless
where would santander rank? most cs people went over there instead of ubs
Despite its recent issues UBS>>>>> Santander. The CS folks went over there to Santander bc they handed out huge bonuses like UBS did to the Barclays “rainmakers” a few years back. This isn’t even a discussion
Haha this is just you 'Analyst 1 in IB-M&A Orangutan' commenting over and over.
But yes it broadly looks accurate – more than the other list in trending.
Congrats on moelis man!
accurate but what kind of no life weirdo would take time to make such a ranking
Any color on where the prestigious Santander would rank?
S+++ : secondaries
Ah yes, CVP, famous for having groups
Looks good, send it
This is just the same person replying to himself over and over again to boost the thread because he was upset the other one didn't rate his bank high enough. He is either at JPM or CVP
what about GS DCM?
F tier
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Congrats on Allen & Co
Not at Allen. But definitely one of the top groups and very prestigious. Just by secrecy alone if nothing else
Accurate but RX >>> everything
Agree personally but def not for everyone.
Restructuring >>>. This is the only way
GS TMT needs bumped down one and MS M&A up one
And MS Menlo up one
lol
Seriously? MS M&A over GS TMT..?
GS TMT is only so hyped because people love tech. I personally equate prestige to exits per capita and MS M&A, although slight edge does have the edge here. Also, especially on a per capita basis, one can easily argue that MS Menlo is better than GS TMT. MS is the Leanest BB, so although the League tables aren't as good as JPM or GS, the average analyst exit is slightly better.
Congrats on moelis lmao. Otherwise accurate
Very accurate. Don’t know about RJ’s rank… but also, congrats on RJ I guess
oneofthesebanksisnotliketheothers——
I would take MS > JPM for each group if compared side by side.
Dont work at either firm but are you really taking MS HC over JPM HC? Or MS FIG over JPM FIG?
MS M&A is top tier but otherwise accurate
Congrats HSBC, making it even with half of the IB cut
natixis???
Anyone know anything about Allen & co? Had an Superday but faded
One of the best on the street if interested in tech/media
Where is Pierpoint
Not bad
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This is one of the most prospect statements. Bucket doesnt matter given how early PE recruiting is. And no Tech PE does not give extra considerations for someone that worked at TSLA/Nvidia and then Moe Tech over someone who did GS TMT the whole way through since sophomore. The latter might even get poached as a junior SA by SLP. Whereas idk anyone in the L3Y that got into SLP from Moelis.
Deal flow also doesnt matter. GHL has way less than RBC but they can still send kids to top funds like NMC and Apollo.
Also the deal size GS TMT/MS M&A work on is quite similar to CVP/Q, regardless of what you might see on Dealogics
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No offense, this response has a lot of words and "sounds" nice but is incorrect on various points and is somewhat obviously written by a prospect going by word of mouth. Knowing various analysts in all these groups, there is no way in the world Q analysts are working on less deals than GS TMT / MS M&A. Q's analyst classes are 1/4 of those groups with roughly comparable deal-flow, both of which you can check yourself on their website. Also, "later on when you specialize" is inaccurate for CVP because CVP SF / Biotech runs a separate process. Specialization within NYC is on a major / minor system for RX / M&A, which you also indicate when going through the process.
Exit opps are not contingent on standing out WITHIN the group at all if you are doing on-cycle (given you're not obscenely bad, but then you wouldn't have gotten a return). HHs / interviewers all know you did jack during a summer internship and it'd frankly be ridiculous to differentiate interns based on a 10-week stint. It does matter for off-cycle exits, but frankly anyone who isn't signed by on-cycle is almost definitely signed by the end of their first year (when buckets are officially assigned).
TSLA/NVDA MOE kid is not getting the offer over GS TMT over a nicer sounding story, if they did it's because they prepped more and just did better in interviews. Juniors are a resource who's sole job is to generate output in MF PE, barring terrible vibes they will always take the kid more willing to put their head down and grind because that's what will be most useful to them
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Defining prestige is so ambiguous and meaningless, mainly because it is perceived so differently based on the people who you speak to. Outside of finance. GS/MS/JPM are equally prestigious and anything else besides these are meaningless (maybe BofA and Citi but normal people can’t tell the difference between Citi Private Banking vs M&A). For analysts looking into PE exits, prestige from the perspective of HHs is the most important factor, which all the GS/MS/JPM and EBs will be perceived similarly, followed by some top groups at BofA/Citi and GHL/PWP (not to discredit these firms but had historically weaker exits compared to other EBs). It’s also different for MBA associates, depending what they want to do, though the perceived prestige from HHs is meaningless because MBA associates at GS TMT won’t be able to exit to MFPE. Of course, the economics of senior bankers is very different from juniors as well, which Baird Industrials maybe better than GS Industrials to some MDs. All in all, what really matter is each individual’s situation. To add on to this, especially to incoming SAs/FTs, I've seen many cases where they started their career at Rabo/SocGen/BNP then eventually lateraled to top BB/EB then to some of the most highly coveted funds in this forum. I think it's really important to realize that setting the foot in this industry is more important than anything else.
Agreed with all points here, but historically GHL has one of the better exit ratio considering their class size. I mean even now, with their subpar performance, they are sending kids to Apollo HVF, New Mountain, GTCR, Sixth Street so that just tells you that deal flow is not everything when it comes to PE exits
Its prob one of the most accurate one out there. However the precision and granuarilty you put into the list is a bit concerning.........
meaningless - would recommend making a tier list based on comp
I always find these comical. You guys are debating prestige like it changes your comp, deal flow, or how you execute. We’re on the Street to make money, not play status games on WSO. Prestige isn’t about sitting around ranking banks on wso — it’s about showing up, outworking everyone, and getting paid. If you need a list to validate where you are, you’re already behind. Touch grass
Would yall take MS (pre group placement) or PJT M&A
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PJT M&A vs MS pre group placement?
MS
Depends if you want the boutique vibe or not. I’d lean MS from an exits perspective
Xxxxxx
You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Don't know about their M&A practice but all it takes is a quick look at Debtwired/Reorg (do you know what those are?) to see they're top 3 in RX alongside PJT and EVR for large-cap mandates. I worked across from them many times as an analyst.
Xxxxxx
sorry you got cut from the process there but keep your chin up kid. Must have missed the league tables, deal announcements, and general industry reputation given all the college schoolwork you have going on.
They are generally considered 'prestigious' due to top of the street pay and regular placements at MF PE. There is nothing wrong about individuals to have their subjective view, but I know the latest on-cycle placement had several of KKR, Carlyle, TPG, etc., which is perfectly fine if one would consider this as a bs. To your point, considering many analysts from lesser known schools do place at these firms from Moelis definitely means, at least to HHs and PE firms, they are indeed prestigious.
Xxxx
Moelis is known for their Rx practice… it is a very strong group (as is LA by virtue of all the “big dogs” working out of there).
If you really want to “rob” them of their prestige for hiring some non-targets, you do you, but there are also many Ivy League folks also working at Moelis and people will continue to work on good deals and exit well.
Could someone do it for Europe?
No one cares about Europe
Couldnt have put it any better myself
del
Del pls ignore - apologies for double post, my app is glitching
I am not OP but I tend to view the listed (and Raine) in line with Liontree and Gordon Dyal, which OP placed in the “A” tier
Ardrea is elite for MFPE fig and so MK un sure about the middle one. Ardrea is similar to Techs Q, so near the top if not top.
Anyone know about the middle one. Never heard of incentrum…
Where would The Raine Group rank?
del
No per capita it's actually worse going by pure exits.
Dude get a life your entire comment history across multiple threads is shitting on GS TMT and glazing MS Menlo or Q
What exits better? Top coverage groups at Barclays/Citi or PWP (non-RX)
This is actually debatable, wondering the same. Greenhill gets better treatment than the tope groups at BofA/Citi but wondering about PWP.
PWP no question
Disagree. The groups OP mentioned (Citi M&A/IND/FSG and Barc FSG/PU&I/TECH/HC) exit at the same level and are just as sweaty as PWP's best coverage groups like HC and IND
I've never commented before (I'm 35, from non-target to Apollo PE/Viking HF) but I saw this on LinkedIn and thought I'd share a quick reaction - I'd advise someone to take ‘GS (rest)’ above most of the things listed before it. I’m super out-of-touch with the latest-and-greatest rankings but my perspective might be helpful - your career/resume ultimately becomes like a LinkedIn profile + a bio on a website, which is basically 4 things:
1. Susie is a partner at xxx.
2. Susie previously worked at xxx.
3. Susie started her career at xxx.
4. Susie went to school at xxx, graduating xxx.
Meaning, you’re solving for the third thing above here. And in 10 yrs, the world you live in (say raising money from smart balance sheets or sitting on a panel at a conference etc.) generally won’t appreciate the hairline distinctions btw MOE LA and CVP HC. However ‘Susie started her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs’ is a universal language. Spoken by your local librarian and the pension fund allocator you’re meeting with on Tuesday. Said differently, that GS association benefits you in small ways that you wouldn’t expect for a long time (outweighing the marginal prestige of say CVP HC at this specific point in time, in this specific echo chamber (I had to look up what CVP HC meant!)).
I hope helpful and good luck!
(PS - I never worked at GS, but strongly believe that prestige early in your career has value/signal (and I'd know as an outsider), which is why I like the honesty of WSO, despite being meanspirited at times!)
True
This should be one of the top comments. Obviously, folks shouldn’t read it as GS or bust as that’s ridiculous but the spirit of it is incredibly based.
You have a point, but most kids heading to GS will not use the brand for entrepreneurial endeavor or fundraising. Most of them will be exiting to various roles and most likely will be just utilizing the brand within the corporate realm which is not a bad thing. Regardless of this thread, many kids who choose Moelis LA or Evercore M&A will always choose those firms because Goldman and the typical EBs very attract different students. In my experience, the former were more of students wanting good branding early in their career and didn't really know what they want to do it the long term, generally very polished and social who comes from good backgrounds. The latter, though many come from good backgrounds, really want the best training to succeed in finance and were dead set on finance. Neither is a bad choice but these firms just attract different type of people.
To add on, nowadays the caliber of students heading to PJT and EVR is generally far above GS TMT, which of course won't take too long for the gap to be mitigated.
Can I PM you? I’m currently at tier 1 BB and really need some advice
Well said and I agree.
I would take MOE LA just because I want to live in LA and exit to LA buyside, but there’s no doubt the GS name pulls like no other.
In 10 years it will still raise eyebrows to most people (including laymen) that you worked there.
Is Solomon really that bad?
Given it is a prestige ranking, Solomon is still quite new and will take a couple of years to establish a reputable presence. However, I have heard many good things: increased deal flow from 2023 (on a per head count basis is probably stronger than many firms in the A to C tier range), strong recent hires, and generally a good WLB (60-80 hours on live deals) but highly group-dependent.
Source: a few friends worked/worked there.
if u know all these letters u need to get laid
Ha
Hilariously bullish on UBS when literally every senior from CS went to Santander
Not sure anyone is really considering DB prestigious. At least at some of the MMs you get respect for working on a lot of deals
You guys will go to Off-Topic and ask why you don’t get laid while at the same time making these kind of threads.
like WTF is this.
Funny because I turned down a handful of S-A rankings here for a D and I am much happier because my colleagues are wildly chill and I make the same amount of money with a cheaper cost of living lol
Congratulations on Lincoln International!
Thank you! Been here a few years now and I am much happier than my classmates who went to “prestigious” firms (most of them have moved on now anyway). I have been paid over street the last few years, my colleagues are very chill, and I close 2-3 deals a year. I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’m very pleased with my decision to choose LI over other shops, but I know it’s all very individual.
Honestly not sure why so many people giving you shit op, props for making an accurate list and what you do with your time is your own business.
80% of the posts here are ppl with 3yrs of exp asking which firm / team is better and you guys still giving him shit, "prestige" is just another benchmark just like exits/ work life balance/ culture/ pay etc. and most of your MDs when they try to win deals they are basically just saying they are the best firm/ team out there (prestige)
Btw HSBC is no more but even when it was around it's probably like an F
Also all you guys calling OP a loser but you spent the effort and time not only clicking into this but leaving a comment making this one of the most commented thread not sure who's the loser really, maybe because OP didn't put your firm as S
Where do Tidal Partners, Raine Group, Leerink Partners, and MTS Health Partners rank?
Obviously these are much smaller firms with coverage focus, but I'm curious to see how they'd compare in tiers for prestige (at least solely in finance circles)
F
Really? Would've expected somewhere around the C range b/c of solid deal flow.
HL RX should move up, they kill on creditor mandates and exit with the best of them.
Where does PwC deals advisory fall in here? I love bragging to women that I’m an M&A banker but disappointed we’re not on this list given our dominance of # of deals on the league tables.
Z tier
Jokes aside, FT Partners > Stifel BNP and Mizuho?
Drop Lazard down a few notches.
Got offers for Sen Associate position at Citi Industrials and MS Real Estate. London. Which one is a better option?
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