The "Principal" Title in IBD

Apologies for pleb question:

Where does the "Principal" title fall in the IBD hierarchy? What about in PE? Have spoken to a couple people recently, both in M&A and buy-side, who have this title

My guess: Analyst --> Associate --> Sr. Associate / VP --> SVP/Director/Principal -->MD

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

The person I spoke with was great - super sharp but also down to earth. Don't want to dox anyone but they are a career banker and left a major BB in the past to join Centerview and seem to enjoy their work/team/life much better at CVP which I think says a lot. I've seen some of their decks in the past just by being engaged by the same client and thought their work product was top-notch. Haven't spoken to any other more junior level guys but I get the sense that WSO's opinions of them are true - hardworking but great deal experience and better culture than some places (e.g. less of an emphasis on facetime, more humble, etc.). Just my impression from one person though so take as you will

 

Thank you so much for your comment. I have heard that they want people to be career bankers (like you mentioned) and therefore don't vouch for people for buyside recruiting. To what extent is that true?

 

Nostrum sit qui natus tempore. Error sint aspernatur deserunt amet nisi harum. Accusantium non nam tempore ut explicabo cupiditate. Odio voluptas cupiditate magnam aliquid.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”