BMO NYC

Based on the highest ranked content on WSO regarding BMO, particularly in the context of its state in 2020, here's a breakdown that might help you gauge your decision for the SA 2025 position:

1. Exit Opportunities: The general sentiment from the WSO threads suggests that while BMO is a decent brand that can teach you a good amount, many juniors have expressed a desire to look elsewhere due to various challenges. This indicates that while BMO can be a stepping stone, it's crucial to network and perform well to secure desirable exit opportunities.

2. Work/Life Balance (WLB): The discussions around BMO have highlighted concerns regarding work hours and culture. One comment specifically mentioned that compensation does not align with the bonus expectations, and the hours can be intense. This suggests that WLB might be challenging, which is a common theme in investment banking but seems to be particularly noted at BMO.

3. Compensation: There's a clear indication from the threads that compensation, especially bonuses, may not meet expectations at BMO. This is coupled with comments about the bank not promoting many who deserve it while facing layoffs, which could affect morale and overall satisfaction with compensation.

4. Top Groups: The specific top groups within BMO NYC are not detailed in the provided context. However, in investment banking, the prestige of groups can often be tied to deal flow, sector focus, and the bank's strengths. It's advisable to research and network within BMO to identify which groups align with your career interests and have a strong reputation.

5. Culture: The morale at BMO has been described as very bad, with many professionals in serious recruitment talks with other banks. This suggests that the culture may be challenging, with issues including unrealistic goals, below-street compensation, and declining culture.

In conclusion, while BMO offers a platform to learn and grow, it's important to enter with realistic expectations regarding the challenges you might face, including work-life balance, compensation, and culture. Networking within the bank and focusing on performance can help navigate these challenges and secure exit opportunities. Remember, every experience is what you make of it, and being proactive can help you maximize your tenure at BMO.

Sources: State of BMO in 2020, Work/Life Balance - Hours, Canada IB Pay Increase?, Bay Street VS Wall Street Investment Banker, Thoughts on TD Commercial/TD National Accounts/TD Corporate Credit? (Canada)