Low BBs vs Middle Market Firms?

I'm currently in the process of interviewing for lateral positions at some of these larger banks and middle market firms, and I just wanted to get you guys' thoughts on them. I'm coming from a small M&A firm.

BMO, HSBC, UBS, Cowen, Stifel

Are all of these firms on relatively the same level when it comes to deal flow/size and potentially exit opportunities, or do some stand out as a cut above or below the others?

20 Comments
 

We’ve actually reached a level of BB ranking dick measuring where kids are unironically comparing UBS to MM’s lmao

 

are you an A1 like started last summer? how are you getting these leads? HH or online postings? curious bc I also am looking into lateral opportunities and have found it hard

 

Assuming Baird/Blair Chicago, I would personally accept either over any of the firms listed above.

 

Vero doloremque unde natus eveniet nemo. Et qui repellat facere quos mollitia.

Quis magni harum vitae dolor. Accusamus ea in officia est ut. Eum qui autem consequatur minus in ea.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 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 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $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

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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”