HSBC vs SocGen vs RBC - IBD - UK

I'd say SocGen would be best (stronger in Europe than the others), followed by HSBC then RBC.

I'd also note that RBC has recently been making a big push in Europe (just acquired Loudoun Capital Partners) to expand their IB platform.

Youll probably get biased answers from people, but concerning the latter 2, RBC is a lot more known (#1 in Canada) for M&A in North American whereas SocGen is almost exclusively EU. HSBC has a more known brand name then both.. but for M&A really depends on what theyre offering you.

rbc has been making a pretty big push in europe, though mostly on the s&t side. They've made some good hires in banking, but pretty much only cover FIG, infrastructure, and energy in europe, so you'd get a very limited experience

i'm not that familiar with the other banks though (did an internship in canada and now work at nyc bb), so won't comment there, but my gut says hsbc or socgen is probably better

SocGen is really weak in m&a. I would go for HSBC or RBC.

Out of the three, HSBC anyday

I would go for HSBC if they offered you a place in their strategic transaction group. Solid deal flow and very international team.

SocGen is definitely VERY french. It's a very unique culture and to be honest, I didn't think the people were all about being an INTERNATIONAL firm. That may sound odd, but the people I met there all seemed more occupied with keeping the french character than with expansion (although they are planning on adding 1,500 employees over the next 5 years or so). A former employee actually told me that their expanding as if they wanted to become the next Goldman, only they won't. Doesn't really sound too promising to me.

It all depends though where you want to go later on. If you fit into the culture, then that's great, if not, take a different bank. I actually think RBC could be more interesting in terms of being able to work in London and New York. Don't really know too much about HSBC...

Am interested to know more about what it means by being "VERY French"? Is it like conservative or?

VERY french means that the decisions are mostly made in Paris, probably 50% of the employees are french, people at the offices speak french, even in London, and maybe they are also more conservative. It definitely gives the vibe of working for a french company, something you don't see at DB or CS/UBS for example.

Everything I've heard would agree with the 'french' comments regarding SG. All the senior people are french, you'll pitch a lot and to top it off they don't like to pay too well either.

HSBC would be a solid but not spectacular place to get some experience. they're not really going anywhere but still see enough dealflow to make your exit opps v good.

RBC is the most interesting one imo. They seem to building a serious investment bank. Take a look at some of their recent hires and they're all top notch (e.g. Mark Preston) and indicate a bank going places.

Anyone have more info/insight into SG in the US? Strong groups, pay, hours etc?