Am I a looser for staying at the same bank? (London)

I have been at my bank (Barclays / RBC / UBS) in London for the past 4 years (I am now associate).
 

I am now wondering if I’m missing out something by being loyal?

Pros of staying at the same bank

- I have a good reputation (I worked very hard especially during covid)

- I know what MDs expect / I know all the internal processes

- I have all my templates / I can refer to previous materials 

Cons

- I am not expending my network

- I am staying in my confort zone (ie if need to do a merger model at another bank it will be more difficult as I will need time to understand the new template etc)

- Also, from a ££ point of view, do people make more money by switching bank? And if so, how?

Thanks all

16 Comments
 
Most Helpful

The banks in London have formed a little cartel where they ask you to provide your last 3-years' total comp numbers (need to show proof so can't BS) and then low ball you off those numbers. Unless you are a star, the most you will get is a total comp bump of around 15-20%. While 15-20% is still a big number, when you factor in 45% tax rates and look at it on a monthly basis, it's not really a big increase. So, the question is, are you willing to move from a cushy role into an unknown culture/team where it might not pan out? Almost always better to move to the buy side from a pure comp perspective.  

 

You think so? Here is my view on the buy side (let me know what you think):

First you need to spend 5-7 years at a PE fund to get meaningful carry (some associate have carry but it will just refund the money they would have made if they stayed in IB)

And then you need to wait another 5-7 years (need to invest and sell the company). And I have seen example of companies that have been held by PE fund for 10+ years and no one wants to buy them

So you will get meaningful carry if you stay 15 years and if the investment goes well. IF IF IF IF IF IF. And most people won’t stay that long (and it’s not just a matter of staying, it’s also a matter of getting promoted (harder in PE than in IB) and not burning out). also whenever you get carry, apparently people put pressure on you / they want you to reinvest it in the next fund

 

This post is missing the important content. So I'll ask the question.

Why are you considering a move now? What prompted you to post this?

Is it:

1. Pay is shit (eg RBC)

2. Toxic Culture

3. New team mates who are useless

Etc

Sponsors M&A (London)
 

Bonus is not bad but there are places e.g. EB / Top MM, that pays c. 100% of your base >> 110-140k, especially when you factor a brutal staffer and lack of junior team. I think the question you need to ask yourself is whether you will be able to easily get the VP / Director promotion and do you want to do the lifestyle of your superior? If yes I would stay at your bank unless you are at UBS given incoming rounds of layoff
 

 

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