SMBC 2023 FT

Had a superday for their "Transaction Banking" dept today (11/01). It was... interesting....In 2 of my interviews, I was asked why SMBC and then after that the interviewer asked why not JPMorgan, Citi, or even Deutsche bank since those are higher tier banks. Like how do you even answer that without BSing lol? They're definitely feeling for fit since so much of the bank's culture is Japanese. 

Another interviewer asked me if I knew what the role was and to explain it. I honestly had no clue and still don't really fully understand what they do. There's 0 info about the group online and the job description is uselessly ambiguous, "This role will assist the team to partner with vendors, manage the delivery of solutions, and work to push innovation throughout the Americas Division." From my interview I believe transaction banking is cash management/ accounts receivables/payables for large (mainly Japanese) corporations but still no clue what an analyst would do day to day. 

I took the interview because I was a curious but I think IB is a better fit for me and really hope to hear back for IB.