Total comp delta between Capital Markets and M&A/Coverage at GS/JPM/MS
Curious what the difference typically is at the analyst level at the top BBs. More specifically for M&A/Coverage vs. LevFin for all the above.
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0 diff, both front office ibd
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the total compensation at the analyst level for M&A/Coverage versus Capital Markets (including LevFin) at top bulge bracket banks like Goldman Sachs (GS), JPMorgan (JPM), and Morgan Stanley (MS) typically shows some differences.
For M&A/Coverage roles, analysts generally earn slightly higher total compensation compared to Capital Markets roles. This is due to the higher deal volume and intensity of work in M&A/Coverage, which often translates to larger bonuses. While base salaries are usually consistent across divisions, the bonus component tends to be the differentiator.
For example: - M&A/Coverage Analysts: Total compensation (base + bonus) can range from $160K to $190K in the first year, with bonuses being a significant portion. - Capital Markets Analysts (including LevFin): Total compensation is slightly lower, typically ranging from $150K to $170K, as bonuses in these roles are generally smaller.
The gap in total comp becomes more pronounced at higher levels (associate and above), as M&A/Coverage roles often command higher bonuses due to their direct revenue generation and deal execution responsibilities.
Sources: Lazard v. Morgan Stanley Post-MBA, Move from ECM to coverage / M&A, Besides relationships, what are the the main differences in an m&a process at EBvsBB, Capital Markets vs. Boutique M&A, Q&A: Bulge Bracket IB Analyst -> MM in Lev Finance -> Private Equity
0 diff as Junior. As a senior coverage gets paid more as they own the relationship compared to ECM/DCM/M&A
There’s no different, I got paid in-line or better than my coverage partners as an analyst.
5 years in and I’m working now working ~55 hours a week making $300k+, with no stress or responsibility. I’ve got literally no skills besides slapping the same 10 boiler plate slides. While most of the M&A & coverage folks went and did 2+2 and then had a midlife crisis, I got sent abroad, and spent the year doing, you guessed it, telling the analyst to make the same 10 boiler plate slides. Now I’m back in New York, bored out of my mind, still using the same 10 slides. I’ll probably ride this wave another year or 2 and then move abroad with my nest egg.
Sounds great and a lot of the aso on my desk echo the same, I’m curious is your seat within LevFin, ECM or DCM?
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