Ranking the Investment Banks - Paris

Wat are your thoughts on the ranking of Investment banks solely in Paris ?

Which ones have the best exits for further interships in M&A and PE ? Best deal-flow ? Best culture ? Best WLB ? you get what I mean.

Included would be BB, EB, UMM and LMM (let's not waste our time with very small boutiques that are numerous and not target for the sake of this ranking)

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a detailed ranking and analysis of investment banks in Paris, focusing on various aspects such as exit opportunities, deal flow, culture, and work-life balance (WLB):

Top Tier International Banks

  1. Lazard

    • Exit Opportunities: Excellent for M&A and PE.
    • Deal Flow: High.
    • Culture: Known to be a sweatshop but pays well.
    • WLB: Challenging.
  2. Rothschild

    • Exit Opportunities: Strong in M&A and PE.
    • Deal Flow: High.
    • Culture: Competitive.
    • WLB: Demanding.
  3. JP Morgan

    • Exit Opportunities: Very good.
    • Deal Flow: High.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Tough.
  4. Morgan Stanley

    • Exit Opportunities: Very good.
    • Deal Flow: High.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Tough.
  5. Goldman Sachs

    • Exit Opportunities: Excellent.
    • Deal Flow: High.
    • Culture: Intense.
    • WLB: Challenging.

Top Tier Local Banks

  1. BNP Paribas

    • Exit Opportunities: Good.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate to high.
    • Culture: Balanced.
    • WLB: Better than international banks.
  2. Societe Generale (Socgen)

    • Exit Opportunities: Good.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate to high.
    • Culture: Balanced.
    • WLB: Better than international banks.
  3. Credit Agricole (CA-CIB)

    • Exit Opportunities: Good.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate to high.
    • Culture: Balanced.
    • WLB: Better than international banks.

Second Tier Banks

  1. UBS

    • Exit Opportunities: Decent.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Moderate.
  2. Credit Suisse

    • Exit Opportunities: Decent.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Moderate.
  3. Barclays

    • Exit Opportunities: Decent.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Moderate.
  4. Deutsche Bank

    • Exit Opportunities: Decent.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Moderate.
  5. Natixis

    • Exit Opportunities: Decent.
    • Deal Flow: Moderate.
    • Culture: Professional.
    • WLB: Moderate.

Notable Mentions

  • Nomura
  • Bryan Garnier & Co.
  • ING
  • Sycamore
  • Clipperton
  • Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  • Canaccord Genuity
  • Alexander Partners
  • AEC Partner/AEC Fintech
  • Banaca IMI
  • Degroot Petergain
  • RBC
  • Jefferies
  • Citi

These banks have varying levels of presence and influence in Paris, with some offering better work-life balance and others providing stronger exit opportunities and deal flow. The choice ultimately depends on individual career goals and preferences.

Sources: What are the best Investment Banks in Paris? I know London is the mecca of IB's, but I'm interested in living in Paris., Official Investment Banking Rankings: Boutique and Bulge Bracket Prestige, Ranking Investment Banks in 2021, Investment Banking in Paris, Europe 2021 Investment Banking Rankings

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

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Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
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