IB Recruiting in Singapore for European Citizens
I’m currently studying STEM at a non-target school, and I’m planning to transfer to a target school in Singapore for a master’s degree. My goal is to build my future there and break into investment banking — starting with internships and eventually moving into a full-time role.
I’d really appreciate some insight from people familiar with the market:
How receptive is the IB industry in Singapore to European citizens?
Which target schools in Singapore are best regarded by IB recruiters for a master’s degree, and which ones are realistic options for a STEM-to-finance transfer?
Is it realistic to break into IB recruiting there with a STEM background, or is a finance/econ degree strongly preferred?
How difficult is it to get a visa first for the master’s studies, and later for work, as a European citizen?
Breaking into investment banking (IB) in Singapore as a European citizen comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Here's what you need to know based on the most helpful WSO content:
1. Receptiveness of the IB Industry in Singapore to European Citizens
2. Best Target Schools in Singapore for IB Recruiting
3. STEM Background vs. Finance/Econ Degree
4. Visa Challenges for Master’s Studies and Work
Additional Tips:
Breaking into IB in Singapore as a European citizen is challenging but achievable with the right strategy, preparation, and persistence.
Sources: The future of Hong Kong high finance, The future of Hong Kong high finance, Non US/Europe IB/PE Overview, Non US/Europe IB/PE Overview, What you need to know about IBD in Asia
Hard truth is that the government (post-2011) has taken a protectionist approach to work visa’s due to locals whining about “foreigners” coming in and stealing their lunch. Jury’s still out on how accurate of an opinion that really is.
For you to max out your chances you should ideally be at a senior enough level to request for a transfer, where your income’s high enough to get past the minimum threshold. You’ll also have to ensure that your salary is competitive relative to OTHER financial services professionals/expats in Singapore. Unfortunately at a junior level, it’s difficult to command that premium unless you’re truly experienced and skilled in very niche fields.
TL;DR: it’s extremely hard, more so than the U.S./U.K., and while it’s worth giving it a shot, I wouldn’t bank on it.
I understand. Is it also just as hard, or even harder to break into IB in Hong Kong? Do I need Mandarin there and if so what level? Thx, man.
This is a really group/firm specific thing. If the shop has a huge China deal exposure then I’d expect a greater emphasis on Mandarin fluency. In general SEA favours bilingual people as they’re useful on the commercial side of things. I’m bilingual myself, and it’s paid dividends.
If u wanna land SG(any finance jobs tbf) as an expat you gotta be an asian girl(chinese/korean/japanese/SEA/indian) Otherwise they won't sponsor visas for juniors.
Being a woman is really paradise in this industry.
Maybe for WM lol. Most of the front office investment roles have some pretty solid players and it seems like they dgaf who you are as long as you make money.
Sellside firms absolutely gaf.
Non target undergrad will be the first hurdle. Very elitist. Most juniors in Singapore work straight after bachelors, masters aren't really needed.
Its already a very competitive market for locals and they don't sponsor for juniors. You will be on a student pass which MAY allow you to do an internship but there's restrictions around this and you would require sponsorship for full time.
Given your background its probably a waste of time, getting a Singapore masters and not being able to stay there will mess up your chances back in Europe i.e you're better off doing a European MiF and working full time before internally transferring to Singapore after a few years.
Thx for answer, really helpful. Sounds like a European MiF on target school and going full-time first is the more realistic path then. I’ll also think about starting Mandarin or one of the SEA languages
You don't start learning asian languages to get hired in asia. Its not like europe where if you speak let's say Spanish learning Portuguese and Italian isnt rlly a hassle. Even Hkers who can speak fluent Mandarin aren't rlly seriously considered for HK IBDs.
Better luck with HK - and even then, they may take in foreigners but they do be elitist af. It's the standard Ivies and Oxbridges...
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