Mid-Market M&A

Was wondering if someone could provide me with a bit of insight regarding the total comp that MDs make in the Mid-Market M&A teams at RBC/National and CIBC in Canada? 
 

Have heard MDs are doing approx  $500-$700k which sounds like a high number for Mid-Market IB 

Region
7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about MD compensation in Mid-Market M&A teams at RBC, National, and CIBC in Canada:

  • Total Average Compensation for Investment Banking Director/MD:

    • The average compensation for an Investment Banking Director/MD is around $592k. This figure is derived from various sources and includes both base salary and bonuses.
  • Breakdown of Compensation:

    • Base Salary: Generally, MDs have a base salary in the range of $350k to $400k.
    • Bonus: Bonuses can vary significantly based on performance and seniority, typically starting from $750k and up. However, it's important to note that a significant portion of the bonus is often in shares, which can fluctuate in value.
  • Comparison with Bulge Bracket (BB) and Elite Boutique (EB):

    • At BBs, the total compensation for MDs can be higher, with a tighter distribution. MDs at BBs generally need to bring in substantial revenue to justify their compensation.
    • EBs might offer more upside potential due to smaller pools of people and potentially all-cash bonuses if the firm is not public. However, there are often clawbacks and other conditions attached.
  • Variability:

    • Compensation can be more variable at EBs, with some MDs earning significantly more in good years and less in others. The distribution of compensation is wider at EBs compared to BBs.

In summary, while $500k-$700k might seem high for Mid-Market IB, it aligns with the average compensation figures provided for MDs in investment banking roles. The actual compensation can vary based on individual performance, the specific firm, and market conditions.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/qa-md-in-ma-and-capital-markets-with-bulge-bracket-and-boutique-experience?customgpt=1, BB vs EB total compensation, Q&A: MD in M&A and Capital Markets with Bulge Bracket and Boutique experience, Canada IB Pay Increase?, High Profile IB MDs in Canada

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

if theyre on the middle market specific team (usually at a BB) they probs get paid less. dont think any EB's have that team, but if anyone has more info would be interesting

 

Not as familiar with how it works in Canada or at those specific banks but can provide some insight into MD comp in general. MD's comp at all levels is highly variable. I believe bases are somewhere between $175-$300k depending on the bank/MD (ignore group heads or C-Suite MD's in this scenario), everything beyond that is largely variable. Consider that MD's % of fees typically vary from ~5-35% depending on if they sourced the deal, who ran the process, and if there were other groups/MD's involved. Obviously there are some other factors such as overall group/bank performance bonuses but difficult to predict and often not nearly as material as a direct % bonus from a fee. Can start to get a better idea of comp using this formula, but ultimately if the MD is not sourcing/running any successful deals, they likely are not making a substantial amount more than their base.

 

Neque iste quibusdam dolor voluptatem nihil iste perferendis est. Est in quod sequi dolore. Consequatur harum ea qui est ad rem non. Corrupti et est deserunt non facere nesciunt laborum. Animi et in sit dolorem.

Atque dolores et rem vero ipsam. Dolor quam laudantium et distinctio. Itaque perspiciatis nulla non corporis aut non.

Dolore id dolores ratione aut error quidem. Et ut odit voluptatem facere officiis velit dolores aut. Qui omnis sunt minus dolores similique. Enim doloremque dolor et harum cum inventore. Accusantium facilis a nemo accusamus repellendus fugiat. Tempora dolorum ullam quia ex id iusto autem. Maxime placeat consequatur sit id tempore porro.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”