Lazard is now the most prestigious bank

Let's face it: Lehman no longer exists, Merrill is a sub of BofA, and Goldman and MS have transformed into ordinary retail banks.

For those who want to do M&A, Lazard is now the best (and most prestigious) option.

By the way, I am not associated with Lazard. (Not yet, at least)

15 Comments
 

Thanks guys. I know the prestige debate is sort of superficial, but hey, at least I won't have to work for a bank like GS or MS that will issue checks to people in North Dakota.

 
Best Response
jetonupyou are obviously not a banker since you included the $192 million post-tax non-recurring charge related to their share repurchase. Excluding that, they're doing better than many others.

Precisely correct. Lazard's M&A business is doing better than that of any BB. Luckily, GS and MS will be adding some new ATMs around the world so I can withdraw my fat paycheck more easily.

As for GS and MS analysts, good luck on your M&A pitches to local grocery stores in Idaho!

 

Lazard is solid but current climate, M&A deals will go to banks that can help raise capital.

Goldman will always be a top tier.

Not certain about MS' future which will destroy dealflow

BofA is decent, some very strong groups, some not so great, but post Merrill will be a top shop across the board

Don't forget the Blackstones (advisory) of the world, a step up from all of the above in my opinion

 

Quibusdam ipsa repellendus odio maiores rerum. Libero quidem velit fuga enim et cupiditate laudantium. Non eos aliquid eaque aspernatur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 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...”