MM Investment Banks

Looking for some insight on the Atlanta and broader Southeast investment banking market.

Quick background: I spent ~3 years in valuation advisory at a well-known consulting firm (think Houlihan Lokey FVA, Kroll, Deloitte Valuation, etc.) before moving to a very niche lower middle market investment bank. I’ve been there for about 1.5 years and currently lead sell-side M&A processes in a specialized industry vertical.

I’m not targeting BBs or top-tier EBs. Instead, I’m trying to get a better understanding of the market for experienced Associate hires at firms like Houlihan Lokey, Stephens, Jefferies, Guggenheim, Raymond James, Croft & Bender, and other middle-market banks across Atlanta and the Southeast.

A few questions:

- How does deal flow compare across these firms and offices?
- What are compensation levels looking like for Associates and Senior Associates?
- How would you compare culture and work-life balance?
- Which firms carry the most prestige in Atlanta and secondary Southern markets?
- How competitive is the lateral hiring process versus New York, Chicago, or other larger banking hubs?
- Is Atlanta still one of the better markets for MM banking careers, or are opportunities increasingly concentrated elsewhere?

Would love to hear from anyone currently in Atlanta banking, has lateraled into the market, or has worked at any of the firms mentioned above.