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IB exists almost exclusively in Zürich and is very small (probably around 200 bankers max at EB/BBs in total). The biggest players are CS and UBS, other banks have some presence (a dozen of people for the biggest, lower than that for others) but often execute out of other offices (London and whatnot).
Other international boutiques are Alantra, GCA Altium, Lincoln or Big 4s
Recruitment is very very heavy on St Gallen and then other Swiss schools, very hard to break in as a complete outsider (i.e. not studying in Switzerland or being Swiss). German is almost a prerequisite.
Lifestyle is amazing, pay is very good (starts high but doesn't progress as quickly as in other locations due to somewhat lower bonus as percentage of base), taxes are low, exits are weaker (few PEs/HFs). Overall people start there to stay for a long time.
Would add Lazard to the list
Implicitly included in EBs, but for completeness yes Lazard and Rothschild are the only EBs with a presence here.
Is it possible to transfer from CS/UBS NYC to Switzerland for a year?
Bump
From what I have seen it is usually the other way around (people from ZH going abroad) at Senior Analyst/Associate level. I think it should be easier to go from NYC to ZH as the location is less popular.
What would one have to do transfer from NY UBS/CS to Zurich
Don't know much beyond that but asking should be half the battle, not a lot of interested to go from NYC to ZH.
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