EB Rankings

So we can stop going back and forth over and over, this is the best list (the firms in a given tier are interchangeable). This is optimizing exits and prestige. I will say the gap between Tier 1 and 2 is huge for exits, Tier 2 and 3 the gap is not that big since everyone is super qualified at these firms and MFs will take a high-quality Moelis M&A or PJT applicants over an average Evercore/Centerview kid, and idk that much about 4/5.

Either way if you are on this list, you should be proud of yourself.

Tier 1: PJT RSSG/Q

Tier 2: CVP/EVR 

Tier 3: LAZ/PJT M&A/MOE

Tier 4: PWP

Tier 5: GUGG/GHL/ROTH

10 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a refined ranking of elite boutiques (EBs) optimized for exits and prestige:

Tier 1: PJT RSSG, Qatalyst (Q)
Tier 2: Centerview Partners (CVP), Evercore (EVR)
Tier 3: Lazard (LAZ), PJT M&A, Moelis (MOE)
Tier 4: Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP)
Tier 5: Guggenheim (GUGG), Greenhill (GHL), Rothschild (ROTH)

This ranking reflects a combination of exit opportunities, prestige, and overall perception within the industry.

Sources: EB Ranking/Comparison, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/informative-ib-rankings-for-recruiting?customgpt=1, Top IBD Groups / Firms 2020 (Exits), RANKING BB AND EB 2020

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

How could you argue for LAZ to be in a different tier? Certainly none of the banks with it should be moved up and certainly it should be a tier above PWP. I mean it’s def better than MOE as well.

 

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October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
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