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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of investment banking groups ranked by compensation, hours, and prestige:

Top Groups by Compensation

  1. PJT Partners: Known for high bonuses, with first-year analyst compensation reaching ~$167,100.
  2. Moelis & Company: Consistently offers top-tier pay, with associate compensation around $270,000.
  3. Houlihan Lokey: Leads in associate compensation at ~$310,500.
  4. Evercore: Strong compensation across all levels, making it a top choice.

Top Groups by Hours

  • Groups like Goldman Sachs FIG and Evercore M&A are known for intense hours but offer high prestige and exit opportunities.
  • Boutique firms like PJT Partners and Moelis also demand long hours but compensate well for the workload.

Top Groups by Prestige

  1. Goldman Sachs FIG: Still considered the gold standard in the industry.
  2. Evercore M&A: Highly prestigious with excellent deal flow and exit opportunities.
  3. Lazard: A powerful name in the business, especially in M&A.
  4. Centerview Partners: Known for its exclusivity and strong reputation.

Best Overall Groups

  • Goldman Sachs FIG: Combines prestige, strong compensation, and excellent exit opportunities.
  • Evercore M&A: Offers a balance of prestige, high comp, and strong deal flow.
  • PJT Partners: Exceptional compensation and prestige, especially in restructuring.
  • Moelis & Company: High comp and strong reputation, particularly in M&A.

If you're looking for the best overall group, Evercore M&A and Goldman Sachs FIG are consistently mentioned as top-tier choices. However, your decision should also factor in your career goals, work-life balance preferences, and long-term aspirations.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/2017-investment-banking-report-8-key-trends-to-know?customgpt=1, Official Investment Banking Rankings: Boutique and Bulge Bracket Prestige, 2017 Investment Banking Report: 8 Key Trends to Know, Official Investment Banking Rankings: Boutique and Bulge Bracket Prestige

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

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Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
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