Which Banks Worth Taking Over Top Group @ Mid BB?

Have SBs. From what I've garnered:

Likely worth it: GS, MS, JPM, EVR, PJT, CEN, LAZ

Maybe: MOE, PWP, GUGG, HL RX

21 Comments
 
Most Helpful

From what I’ve seen recently MOE/LAZ/PWP are all regarded very similarly with MOE and PWP on an upward trajectory and LAZ trending downward (MOE and LAZ are still seen as better than PWP, but the difference is almost negligible). I’d say all 3 are better than mid BB when considering pay, culture, avg exits, and level of exposure. 

 

headed to top group in mid-tier BB. I'd probably call GS/MS/JPM and EVR/PJT/CVP as "no brainers" over mid-tier BB assuming it's a M&A/coverage role and not capital markets. Would "maybe" LAZ/MOE because of sweatshop culture and their additional value depends on the mid-tier BB group.

I regret not recruiting at GUGG given their salary bumps and apparent good culture, but they're not quite as strong as a top group at mid-tier BB. Could see it go either way depending on what you value more...realistically I might choose GUGG over a mid-tier BB if I don't know my group, but if I'm already at a top group, then not worth it imo. HL RX is obviously in a separate category as it would only be worth it if you're into RX.      

 

Barclays is probably the only bank out of those three that has truly top-tier coverage groups. Many groups sending to MF PE (P&U, Industrials, HC), but rest of the coverage is also good. BAML top groups are products (M&A/FSG/LevFin). Citi's are M&A and maybe Industrials? Note, I'm only referring to PE exits, there are plenty more groups that are strong at each of these firms. 

 

MAYBE the only one of the extras you mentioned is Liontree, and that's just if you're super into their focus areas. Absolutely no to Ducera, Dyal, Incentrum over top mid-BB groups if your goal is maximizing PE recruiting 

 

Not much sense in putting HL RX there. If you wanna do RX, you’ll take it just after PJT well over the others, otherwise it won’t be on your radar

 

Ea molestias ullam sit accusantium. Corrupti non distinctio corrupti sed sequi saepe. A aperiam ut sapiente sequi. Est ut adipisci facere iusto.

Cum provident temporibus harum eos perferendis vel. Quis vel non suscipit mollitia quibusdam adipisci. Ipsum rem dolorem rem impedit culpa. Explicabo itaque et ea eos. Quia quibusdam molestiae est ut et voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 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

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $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

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...”