I know it is difficult to qualify, and you can find different people in all groups, but was curious to hear what people think.
Do any groups within any of the BBs / EBs stand out in particular?
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HL RX or Moelis?
Restructuring groups for sure, maybe FIG.
Not a traditional group but the risk solutions/corporate derivatives groups some banks have are pretty nerdy too.
Ex rates derivs guy; they're really not all that nerdy. I mean they're more nerdy than the fx frat bros, and had to think a bit more than our DCM counterparts, but they're certainly not a very sharp bunch.
Agree with Fig and RX in general. Would maybe add Corp fin in to the mix as well for the more technical nature.
Citi FsG
Not IB, but in the PE space I would say L Catterton. Once spoke with a senior executive there, who best described the interview process as "extremely quantitative"
Have also heard restructuring and FIG in particular
Have also heard about RX, but was surprised to hear FIG. Why do y’all think FIG are intellectual, and which FIG groups (in which banks) more specifically? @sevroll”
FIG requires deep knowledge of financial institutions financials which are completely different to your standard widget/EBITDA-driven companies. Ie have to have an understanding of loss reserves, GLA's etc. For this reason their models are INCREDIBLY different to your standard company's
Echo what Dellrune said.
Also just have friends in FIG groups across the street (Barclays, Citi, & Wells) and a decent amount fit the more technical/"intellectual" stereotype.
Lemme introduce you to my friends at LTCM....
..wait fuck
Some of the more complex capital markets groups seem to be pretty intellectual. The Structured Finance group at my bank seems to recruit cerebral type A people who have left for credit funds and other more “nerdy” institutions.
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