Thoughts on Middle Markets

Hi All,

What are your thoughts regarding the middle market business at a big 6 Canadian Bank. The team sits in Leveraged Finance and sometimes bid and win again the Capital Markets team for deals. However, it is part of the Commercial platform and pay is subpar and probably 30-40% lower, but experience has been great so far.

Should I try to switch to the CM business at another bank or ride it out for the time being given that I’ve only completed 1 year on the team so far.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like there are a few factors to consider here.

Firstly, the middle market business can provide valuable experience, especially in a Leveraged Finance team. You're likely getting hands-on experience with deals and gaining a deep understanding of the industry. This experience can be a strong foundation for your career in finance.

However, the pay discrepancy you mentioned is a significant factor. If compensation is a major concern for you, it might be worth exploring opportunities in Capital Markets at another bank.

Another point to consider is the potential for growth and advancement in your current position. If there are opportunities for upward mobility in your current role and you're gaining valuable experience, it might be worth staying for a bit longer.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term career goals. If you see yourself in Capital Markets in the future, gaining experience there sooner could be beneficial. But if you're still exploring your options, the experience you're gaining in your current role could open up different paths for you in the future.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It's about what feels right for your career and personal growth.

Sources: A Discussion on Interest Rates/Macro Fundamentals (Long OP), Hardo Hot Take: Middle-Market Investment Banking is Not Prestigious or "High-Finance", Mid-Market PE Valuations: Where Up is Down, Middle Market Growth Equity Shops - any clarity?

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

Qui voluptatem voluptatum quisquam dolorum voluptate a fugit. Animi sunt inventore ab repudiandae voluptatibus libero sint. Voluptatibus qui reprehenderit sint voluptate enim.

Ea aut repellendus sed qui illum quod. Voluptates natus non eos officia nostrum.

Totam tenetur iure magni quos ipsam. Nihil sed quasi est voluptatibus nihil quam. Nam quia quia in omnis omnis enim. Cum debitis illum dolorem quis odio. Beatae mollitia omnis autem et eius dicta.

Sit nobis voluptates veniam sint. Molestiae cupiditate possimus nesciunt in hic ducimus. Sint facere eum aut esse ut aut non et. Repellendus modi sit blanditiis ut exercitationem quaerat. Voluptas aut atque ratione quod ad. Molestias asperiores sequi dolorum asperiores perspiciatis non. Sed voluptate sit pariatur quia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 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

October 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

October 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

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”