17 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, BMO's culture and compensation have been a mixed bag. Here are some insights:

  1. Culture: The culture at BMO varies significantly by group. For example, Metals & Mining has been described as having a "sweatshop culture," while other groups like MM deal flow in New York and Chicago are seen as more solid. In Calgary, BMO is noted for having a great culture with little turnover, but this may not directly reflect the M&A team.

  2. Hours: BMO has been criticized for having "crazy hours" in some areas, which could extend to M&A given the nature of the work.

  3. Bonuses: Bonuses at BMO have been described as underwhelming. There are reports of "shitty bonuses across the board," even after significant effort from employees to keep the bank afloat.

  4. Hiring: BMO has been actively hiring, but there have also been layoffs and reductions in class sizes in the past, which might indicate some instability.

If you're considering applying or have already done so, it might be worth reaching out to current or former employees for more specific insights into the M&A team.

Sources: State of BMO in 2020, BAML M&A London - Exit opps? Hours? Reputation?, Banks with best cultures, Information on BofA FIG, 2019 MBB Comparison (Interview Process, Locations, Responsibilities, Perks...)

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Among the worst hours at the bank, alongside DIG (but probably worse) but better than M&M. Strong Canadian exits. Pay on par with rest of group / bank / B5.

Pros

  • Best exits from the bank, alongside DIG (still not much to write home about, unless you are DEI or just want Onex / Altas)
  • All VDR salesmen perks (they cater to M&A)
  • Feeling of superiority, fostered by M&A group head / arrogance perpetuated by juniors
  • Lax WFH policies

Cons

  • Don’t actually do more interesting work; as junior are treated as bitch to coverage groups to do most mundane tasks
  • Group head is an asshole that creates a pretty hostile culture
  • Depending on what you’re staffed on, can effectively become an M&M coverage M&A analyst (if you are a girl, this will not happen)
 

Associate 1 in PE - LBOs

Among the worst hours at the bank, alongside DIG (but probably worse) but better than M&M. Strong Canadian exits. Pay on par with rest of group / bank / B5.

Pros

  • Best exits from the bank, alongside DIG (still not much to write home about, unless you are DEI or just want Onex / Altas)
  • All VDR salesmen perks (they cater to M&A)
  • Feeling of superiority, fostered by M&A group head / arrogance perpetuated by juniors
  • Lax WFH policies

Cons

  • Don’t actually do more interesting work; as junior are treated as bitch to coverage groups to do most mundane tasks
  • Group head is an asshole that creates a pretty hostile culture
  • Depending on what you’re staffed on, can effectively become an M&M coverage M&A analyst (if you are a girl, this will not happen)

Great Insight - thank you for sharing this. That was my question exactly is what is the split given they are very strong in M&M was not sure if the modelling was done in-house like CIBC EIT. 

What are hours like regularly +85, and any idea of total comp. Seems like they are looking for an Analyst I, but I am sure people will move back a year to get more transaction exposure. 

 

lol reading this is scaring me. got an offer from that group and a lower tier coverage group at another b5. thoughts? Obviously leaning towards bmo as they've been doing well on league tables and m&a has good exits, but i also have the option to join DIG and it seems like I'll build similar reps (if not better)

 

Dignissimos odit unde unde quasi vel voluptas. Odio ut consequatur explicabo quod autem. Cupiditate quia sed mollitia rerum qui. Doloremque et nam aperiam enim.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”