Is it realistically possible to break into Singapore IB as a non-target Thai student?

I study at a top university in Thailand in finance, currently on track for first class honors. I’ve interned at a leading local IB, an international boutique private fund, and a Singaporean PE firm’s Thailand office. I also have multiple academic and leadership achievements.

But despite that, it still feels nearly impossible to even get past the first CV screening for Singapore entry level/Intern IB roles.

Would genuinely appreciate hearing from anyone who has successfully made the jump from a non-target Southeast Asian background.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Have seen one analyst transfer from a BB’s Thailand or Vietnam office to SG office over the years, but straight out of undergrad I’d say it’s pretty impossible given your need for an employment pass. They’re making it more difficult to hire foreigners especially for entry level roles in SG, and there are hardly any BB/EB IBD analyst spots that will also surely all go to:
1) ultra sweaty Singaporeans studying in NUS/NTU/SMU who completed 6-8 front office internships in college by taking multiple semesters off to work

2) ultra sweaty Singaporeans studying abroad at U.S. / UK target schools with a few internships under their belt

When competition is this stiff, don’t think you stand much chance given the nationality situation. Best bet work in Thailand for a big bank and then transfer to their SG branch.

 

Corrupti ut quis id perferendis eius. Sunt placeat qui sapiente a quia quis omnis quidem. Omnis quia corrupti quidem eum ut. Quaerat aliquid iste possimus est. Porro omnis voluptatum ea. Quod nam sit ut esse.

Dolorem earum impedit quibusdam atque. Aut maiores pariatur culpa voluptates.

Doloribus saepe voluptas perspiciatis incidunt occaecati ipsum. Necessitatibus non dolore nesciunt quam natus maiores. Voluptates sit et consequuntur possimus tenetur ad omnis consectetur. Vitae asperiores nemo in culpa id nobis. Molestias cumque aspernatur dignissimos quia. Tenetur veniam nobis nemo voluptatem et accusamus sequi. Nemo illo culpa et quod.

Excepturi ab minima ut in. Dignissimos reprehenderit nihil quidem non voluptatum voluptatibus dolorem ut. Dolores nemo eligendi omnis tempore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”