Anyone have opinions on Cain Brothers and exit ops from there after 2 years to buy side but also being able to exit after a summer/1 year there to another bank OR can speak to their new or most recent base pay plus bonus? WSO salary data has their bonuses super low which doesn't seem right so j wanted to know if it's really this low or if there's something I'm missing
| +84 | Drunk VP. How to manage? | 28 | 37m |
| +42 | How do I take my foot off the gas? (AN1) | 4 | 3d |
| +38 | Lazard US Views 2026/2027 | 14 | 3h |
| +37 | Tomorrow Will Be Better | 5 | 6h |
| +36 | Who is the final boss in Houston Energy? (GS, JEFF or EVR) | 9 | 3h |
| +28 | Moelis PCA vs Lower tier BB Coverage | 18 | 40m |
| +26 | Why did EVR succeed vs GHL or PWP that ended up getting acquired? | 9 | 1d |
| +26 | Why Do We Turn Comments? | 3 | 6h |
| +21 | How early is to early? | 9 | 1d |
| +20 | MS NYC Generalist Program Group Rankings & Placement Process | 11 | 9h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Have friends there. Historical bonuses may seem low now, but they haven't had bonuses released based on their new analyst bases of 105/115/125. Buyside exits are pretty much LMM PE, although there have been some interesting exits like Frazier, Linden, and JLL (apparently seniors are also accepting of recruiting). Lot of LMM-MM dealflow across hc services, and you'll definitely get M&A chops if looking for them. They also recently had a 1.6bn deal, although might be a one-off. Laterals have been super strong (BB), especially recently (JP, PWP). Pretty respected pencils-down policy, and fratty culture (if that's your thing).
Any idea of associate pay? Also heard their culture is great despite comp may be below street.
Edit: Saw a few more interesting exits. Lateral to Dyal and an exit to RedBird Capital (strong MM PE firm focused on TMT). Strong place to go IMO if you plan to exit to LMM-MM HC services focused PE firms. Seen a few relatively new ones in the NYC area and quite a handful of ex-JEF/Cain bankers at them.
The low bonus numbers are likely due to KeyBanc being on a stub bonus timeline. Bonuses are street.
Bump any updates in 2026?
Quia nisi ipsam adipisci et iure. Repudiandae voluptas in consequatur laudantium. Soluta atque expedita tempora.
Ipsum cum quasi veritatis optio. Debitis nisi voluptatum sed sit omnis. Rerum quae molestiae ipsam.
Tempore corrupti reprehenderit velit quos cumque recusandae qui. Officia cupiditate repudiandae qui aut rerum ut sint. Et totam minus optio qui error animi cumque.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...