Best Private Capital Advisory (PCA) Firms in 2026?

I'm currently interning at a bank doing PCA, but was wondering what banks have the best PCA groups based on deal volume, value, and overall culture/WLB, and opportunities to move up the ranks fast or has a flat (relatively) hierarchy structure. I would love to hear everyones thoughts!

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Yeah they were acquired by PWP. Honestly not sure where I would put PWP-Devon Park. It’s an EB so I’m sure comp is great, but they aren’t very active. They only have one office, and it’s based out of Palm Beach, but if good weather is important to you that’s all the better haha. I’d also add that Moelis is growing a lot, and that Lazard-CL will likely supersede PJT once the merger is complete over the next few years. It’ll be a while before Lazard-CL surpasses EVR. That will probably happen in the next few decades—if it happens at all. EVR by far dominates the PCA space right now, and will for the near-term.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

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  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
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