Lateralling - Deferred Comp Buyout?

Hi all - quick question for those who have lateralled to a competitor (think BB to BB or BB to EB) - how has deferred compensation been dealt with? I'm currently an associate 3 and have had 3 years of deferred comp accrued (rolling 3 year vest, portion paid out in cash with each bonus cycle). 

How are these typically handled by your new employer:

  • I assume they'll make you whole on the full amount?
  • If lateralling to a publicly-traded bank, do they typically match the market value of your unvested shares with market value of their own shares, and roll your vesting program into their vesting program? [e.g. does it reset the clock]? How much negotiating room do you have around this?
  • If moving to a private bank, do they pay you out in cash / assume the full amount is vested right away?

Thanks

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about deferred compensation buyouts when lateraling:

  1. Making You Whole: It's common for the new employer to "make you whole" on your deferred compensation. This means they typically compensate you for the unvested portion of your deferred comp to ensure you don't lose out financially by making the move.

  2. Publicly-Traded Banks: If you're moving to a publicly-traded bank, they often match the market value of your unvested shares with their own shares. These are then rolled into their vesting program. However, this may reset the vesting clock, meaning you'll need to adhere to their vesting schedule moving forward.

  3. Private Banks: When moving to a private bank, the approach can differ. They may pay out the deferred compensation in cash or treat the full amount as vested immediately. This is often negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

  4. Negotiation Room: There is typically some room for negotiation, especially if you're a strong candidate. Factors like the size of your deferred comp, the policies of the new employer, and your leverage in the hiring process can influence the outcome. It's advisable to discuss this upfront during the offer stage to avoid surprises.

If you're considering a move, ensure you fully understand the terms of your current deferred comp and how it will be handled by the prospective employer.

Sources: First timer introduced to Co-invest + Carry: How to navigate?, Minimum Time Before Lateralling?, Would you make this move?, Keeping Management Motivated Post-Exit

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Velit sed voluptatem et nulla quo. In ut dolores modi quaerat dolorem delectus dolorum. Aliquam aut quis debitis hic rerum.

Aut quia a aut totam est labore. Aut vitae voluptas et ut enim molestiae. Mollitia molestias illum quis architecto ab. Amet autem quibusdam architecto. Voluptas qui quam non laborum.

Fugit et soluta voluptates necessitatibus. Accusantium est et voluptates recusandae et reiciendis beatae. Molestiae quia possimus eligendi culpa quis quos aliquam at. Ex id qui ab consequatur. Consectetur voluptas ratione voluptas accusantium quis recusandae.

Totam ab itaque a. Animi deserunt eveniet rerum veniam explicabo. Nulla expedita repellat fugiat. At doloribus eos nulla sed natus quis aut. Rerum eos mollitia repellendus voluptas non.

"Be persistent and you will get, be consistent and you will keep it, be grateful and you will get more" #phuckQuotes

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 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

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”