Australia Investment Banking Scene

Could anyone working in the Australian industry please enlighten me on what areas are strong in the Australian market besides metals and mining?

Also, why does JP Morgan have so many jobs available in this region? Is there high attrition/no dealflow/poor culture or what?

Which are the best banks in terms of culture?

What are RBC, Nomura etc like?

Any general information would be great.

Thanks in advance

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All sectors are pretty strong, based on numbers alone metals and mining doesn't seem to be especially overweight unless you're working in a Perth office. There are some smaller players like BMO, boutiques etc that have a strong if not absolute focus on the sector but they're the exception. 

I know league tables evolve every year but I really don't think you can go wrong with Macquarie Capital, especially if you're looking at a long term career in AU. Beyond feeding a lot of people into senior positions within the local business scene, it's actually a really impressive company that punches well above its weight internationally. They also offer great internal opportunities, MIRA in particular is pretty world class. 

 

Macquarie is definitely heralded like a god here in Australia - internationally, aside from their infrastructure stuff, they do have a smaller presence. Agree that they are understated a little, given they aren't American 

 

A1 at Aus BB here,

FIG strong as plenty of consolidation happening to compete with the Big 4 banks. BNPL also born here and fintech becoming an important coverage area for IB's (GS have a fintech-focused MD). Healthcare is big - typically sits under most banks GI coverage. Sectors such as radiology are rife with PE activity at the moment.

Personally heard BAML has shit culture, Moelis Sydney is a sweatshop and CS excellent culture. Unsure of others.

RBC does well in the over-banked aus market. Nomura struggles. Top EB to go to is Moelis which have a solid intern program and are #1 in MM REIT.

If it were me, I'd stay away from DB, Gresham, Grant Samuel, Nomura. 

 

Citi seem nice enough when I talked to them (culture wise). They also have town cars which is good if you’re female and working late. Only thing that bugged me is they did not get back to me after my interview to let me know I didn’t get the job, even though they said they would. I realise people get busy, but I don’t see why they should say they will call me either way if they then don’t. Even an email would have been fine. From what I know of Macquarie and Jarden, they both seem to have good cultures.

What I have heard on the street from Macquarie is that the hours for a 1st to 2nd year ER analyst are from around 8 am to 8 pm, but then no take home work. I am not sure about Macquarie Capital typical hours. They have a gym in the building and a group work out at lunch for those that want to participate.

 

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