What criteria makes an Investment bank an investment bank?

Hello everyone,

I have a question about Investment banks. What criteria must a bank or boutique fulfill to be named and investment bank/ boutique. What if the company does not fit the criteria, but the activities are very similar, M&A Advisory, private capital raising etc, Would the employee's still be named investment bankers?

Thank you in advance.

13 Comments
 

My definition of investment banking is the act of helping a company transact in its own securities

Equity / IPO: Selling primary or secondary shares HY / DCM: Selling primary debt M&A: Transacting one parties' securities to another

(Buyside M&A counts in this definition if you consider the seller as part of the pro forma buyer).

 
"TrickyTriangles"

My definition of investment banking is the act of helping a company transact in its own securities

Equity / IPO: Selling primary or secondary shares
HY / DCM: Selling primary debt
M&A: Transacting one parties' securities to another

(Buyside M&A counts in this definition if you consider the seller as part of the pro forma buyer).

This basically covers it. Also..... why does this matter?

 

Thank you for the replies so far, but how is it regarded if a boutique does Not do Ipo's or bond issuance, It primarily advises small to medium size business on receiving funding. This is done by finding the correct investment organization or Angel etc. Furthermore, advises in buy-side M&A.

Would this business still be considered an Investment boutique or a corporate finance boutique? Could I place my experience in this firm as an investment banking analyst or a corporate finance analyst on my CV?

Thank you for your time.

 
Best Response

Investment Banking:

  • Buy/Sell-side Advisory
  • Equity/Debt Underwriting
  • Private Placements & PIPEs
  • Restructuring

It doesn't have to do all of these, but if you're doing one of them...you're doing "investment banking". Whoever tells you otherwise is retarded. There's always that coverage banker that shits on the ECM/DCM people and says they aren't "bankers" -- and that person more than likely needs a hobby.

 

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