Investment Banking in NY/SF vs Asia: Associate level and beyond

Hey All

I received offers post-MBA at an EB in NY/SF, BB (NY) and a BB (SG - generalist) (all starting in summer 2021), and cannot decide between these offers. I would love to hear your views (especially from people who might have moved from NY/SF - > Asia) on:

1. What is your experience been in Asia following NY/SF? I know there is a M&I overview on this and some past forums on WSO (some dated but nevertheless helpful), but would love to hear the latest experience from those who might be in Singapore/HK and can talk about cultural/work differences, and the banking outlook on ground (e.g Singapore going to benefit from the political uncertainties in HK from a banking perspective?)

2. In terms of a long term a career, is it beneficial to spend a few years in the US and then transition out to Asia (maybe at A3 or VP level?) or does it make sense to go back right at A1 level (i.e. now)?

3. Does it make more sense to be in a coverage role given how teams are set-up in Asia, or focus on a product (say M&A) - do you see greater role being played by firms like Evercore, etc. in Asia who do not have a balance-sheet (I know they recently worked on the Grab SPAC)?

This community has helped me so much over time; very thankful for your views!

3 Comments
 

Thank you! This all makes sense to me, and is very helpful. Maybe a couple of follow-up questions following your advice:

1. Does it become incrementally harder to move back to Asia at VP level (or does it not matter)? 

2. You mentioned that "Group coverages don't mean much in HK/Singapore as much as product". Would you be able to elaborate on this? I was under the impression that in Asia - most teams were mostly coverage since the level of M&A activity is much lower than in the US. In some ways, I thought the best way to progress onto a career in Asia would have been to be a coverage person rather than a pure execution banker. 

Thanks, please feel free to DM me if its easier to continue the conversation there.

 

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