Non-Compete Section for IB Analysts
I've searched the forum for an answer here, but I haven't found many relevant discussions:
I've received an IB analyst offer for a boutique firm that specializes in financial services. The employment agreement contains a non-compete section which would bar me from working in FIG at another investment bank for 2 years after leaving the firm. This seems to be overly restrictive for an analyst. The firm has advised me that this section applies to all levels (i.e. analyst through director) and is non-negotiable. The 2 year non-competition period is unpaid, as well. Given that, I'm wondering how enforceable something like this would be in the event that I did find an opportunity with another financial services group in the future.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Do not accept the offer, literally no one does that and even MDs do not have to sign NDAs. This is a huge red flag, I repeat do not accept the offer and tell them to suck a dick
Very big red flag indeed. What is the size of this shop?
An NDA is not the same as a non-compete....
True, a non-compete is worse
Seems like it is highly enforceable if you sign the contract. Further, don't see a scenario where you should be too concerned about this. If this is the best analyst offer you have, take it, and if you need to lateral, just join a different industry/product group.
This is terrible advice, don't take the offer - huge red flag
Other posters are right, it is a huge red flag and you should stay away — says a lot about the firm.
Having said that, these clauses rarely hold up in court as they directly impact your livelihood. Have taken legal advice on this matter and 99% certain they can’t do anything if you go to another FIG shop. Reeks of poor culture tho.
It's tough, because I do have an interest in the vertical and don't want to stifle opportunities down the road in the same sector. I've had great conversations with people in the group, though. Would it be worth paying a lawyer to look at this? Or trying to speak with someone at the MD level about it?
Honestly, the decision is on you to make. I would assess what other opportunities you have available to you, how competitive your profile is and where you see yourself in the long run. What happens 2 years down the line when you want to exit? Can you go straight to PE/HF/CorpDev?
Honestly I would say legal advice not worth the money at this stage, but again it’s your career you’re playing with. Would also check where other Analysts/associates went from the boutique. If you had a good feel of culture, might just be the legal team on a power trip.
Absolutely ridiculous - do NOT sign this. Try to set up a call and discuss with HR.
HR mentioned the section was standard for all employees and was non-negotiable. I turned down another offer for this one, and I don't have any more in the pipeline, but I still don't think it would make sense to sign something like this.
It doesn't really matter if it is enforceable or not. If you were an MD, that would be a consideration, but you likely don't have the resources make such a fight worthwhile. I would take the offer unless you have others. You can always find a job outside of FIG IB as an exit...work for a financial institution, work for a PE firm, work for a different IB group etc. I would not say that the presence of a non-compete is a red flag in the sense that it says the firm is terrible or abusive or something. For all we know, they just hired some new in-house counsel who wants to make a name for himself within the leadership etc. I would be more worried about an NDA than a non-compete, though the non-compete limits exit ops in a much bigger way, obviously.
DONT SIGN THIS! Anyone else otherwise is uninformed or trolling
Exercitationem consequatur eum iure in facilis. Alias laborum eius voluptatem nam ut. Iusto et accusamus quae dicta. Sapiente qui quia eligendi consectetur quos eligendi est. Et dolore et sunt deserunt esse. Consequuntur et magnam praesentium.
Ut quas dolor eligendi nihil ratione ad. Dolorem id mollitia molestiae pariatur itaque repellendus consectetur.
Tenetur est dolorum sunt qui sed tenetur. Minus corrupti et quia ipsum. Perspiciatis voluptatem ducimus amet ut qui quas. Vel sed perspiciatis atque magni architecto facilis.
Vero illo quia dolor omnis. Quod blanditiis quidem corporis natus enim harum occaecati. Ex accusamus eaque omnis occaecati consequatur distinctio quod vel. Quisquam nihil unde iusto quibusdam sapiente quos. Vel nihil unde ut in omnis dolor. Quo magni quis non perspiciatis eaque. Voluptate cupiditate et rerum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...