RBC vs. Citi vs. UBS vs. Guggenheim

Long time lurker looking for advice. Deciding between the firm’s above, it would be great if someone can rank them based on these criteria:

  • Not too big on MF PE, but I can see myself being potentially interested in MM PE -> to that point I’m not too interested in firm “prestige”
  • Prioritize pure experience and skills gained from deals done -> this to me would open more doors down the line
  • Culture matters to me -> heard positives on Citi and UBS, can’t really find anything updated on Gugg’s culture, as latest thread was from 2017
  • growth trajectory -> would assume RBC takes this one

Apologies if this was long, I’m missing any information, or these threads are generally frowned upon, and thanks for any guidance!

12 Comments
 
Controversial

Assuming NYC (do note this could be group dependent if you know or hear more about specific group that could change the list for example Gugg TMT/ Citi M&A etc)

Citi -> Gugg -> UBS -> RBC

Think list is pretty self explanatory. Citi is a solid mid tier BB right below gs/ms/jpm. Gugg could be first but really group dependent from what I hear for your analyst experience. I would also view Gugg a step or two down from pjt/cvp/evr.

Yes I’ve heard RBC is getting bigger but UBS is still a BB and probably overall has better placement into MF(if any) and MM PE than RBC. I have a couple friends in RBC and it seems like a hit or miss culture and exit opportunity wise very group dependent. Also even if RBC has huge growth its going to take a while (if ever) for it to catch up to the likes of Citi.

 

I'd go Guggenheim all of the way. Have done a few NY trips and met with Gugg people every time. The culture is phenomenal. Significantly less bureaucracy (which is huge for me), solid (but increasingly better) MM PE exits. I think it's growing at a fast rate, not as fast as RBC, but still relatively fast. It's generalist, but if you can get HC or TMT you're set. Better than Citi for sure. That being said, Citi is probably better if you can't get these groups. You have all of these offers, I'd highly recommend calling people at these firms (alumni if possible, as they're more honest) and ask about the culture. Say you have an offer there and want to know more about the firm so you get a better response rate.

 
Most Helpful

Very group dependent but I’d rank:

  1. Gugg
  2. Citi
  3. RBC
  4. UBS

Gugg/Citi have probably the best exits and experience. RBC is the fastest growing and from what I’ve heard some of the best culture on the street.

 

Placement is a step down because they are an up and coming EB not an EB. Not sure what GHL is classified as anymore but Gugg may be overall tied with GHL, butif you're in HC or TMT above it and if not, below it.

 

Ea temporibus quo similique voluptatum. Et eos soluta et cum deleniti. Ex iure repudiandae vero ab iste nihil.

Sint eos optio praesentium enim est minus sed qui. Quaerat quia eos magni incidunt eligendi laudantium nisi assumenda. Repudiandae cum qui eligendi unde eveniet. Reiciendis ad perspiciatis rem qui esse. Ipsa veritatis vel nesciunt adipisci odio. Et aut similique reiciendis eum hic odio velit.

Nobis expedita ab animi aut molestias suscipit explicabo maxime. Laborum perspiciatis ut distinctio sint praesentium. Pariatur veritatis explicabo rerum. Et officia ut vel ipsum eveniet ex fuga.

Aliquid fuga qui omnis doloribus sed officia. Consequuntur vel itaque eos et voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”