Lateraling Banks – Timeline and Etiquette

First year analyst here, working at the same MM firm I did my SA at. I love my team, but wish I could get on more M&A deals, and wish my group placed better into PE. Last summer, I attributed the lack of M&A activity to a broader slump across dealmaking, however, I'm now realizing that my group truly just doesn't have the deal flow in this regard. 

Because of this, I have started to consider moving banks (to hopefully a BB/EB that is strong in the same industry), and have a few questions:

1) Will my buyside opps get better? Just for color, I come from a target undergrad and have strong experience in my industry.

2) How does the lateral process work – where is the best place to find info regarding open spots?

3) How do I keep this quiet at work? I'm worried that word will get back to my team, harming my relationships.

4) How far into my first year should I wait to begin the process?

Thanks, and appreciate any input here, especially from people who have successfully done this.  

2 Comments
 

Nihil animi aut laboriosam ut ullam ullam et nulla. Sequi distinctio laborum inventore inventore consequatur atque. Eum quia et corrupti nostrum perferendis ut. Voluptas quia consectetur voluptatem aut amet nulla.

Ut ad tenetur veritatis est at ut. Iusto a placeat maxime labore necessitatibus aliquam facere. Error ab dolores porro quaerat non culpa. Nihil animi a rerum eum corrupti molestiae pariatur. Aliquid accusamus sed molestiae explicabo quibusdam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 98.4%
  • JPMorgan No 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 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 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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

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...”