Why did you choose to lateral banks?
Curious to hear people’s thoughts and experiences. Always unique situations but mostly a common thread of buyside seats that candidates hope to achieve from what’s been told.
Must be some interesting stories to hear about that could be useful to those just starting their career out.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, lateraling between banks often stems from a mix of personal goals, career aspirations, and strategic positioning for future opportunities. Here are some key insights:
Buyside Aspirations: Many professionals lateral to position themselves better for coveted buyside roles. For instance, moving from a middle-market (MM) bank to a bulge bracket (BB) or elite boutique (EB) can enhance one's resume and open doors to top private equity (PE) or hedge fund (HF) opportunities.
Skill Development: Some lateral moves are driven by the desire to gain exposure to specific industries, deal types, or geographies. For example, moving to a bank with a stronger M&A or restructuring platform can provide valuable experience that aligns with long-term career goals.
Compensation and Culture: Better pay, improved work-life balance, or a more supportive team culture can also motivate a lateral move. Professionals often seek environments where they feel more valued or where the firm's reputation aligns with their personal brand.
Networking and Visibility: Joining a more prestigious bank can increase visibility in the industry and expand one's professional network, which is crucial for future career moves.
Unique Situations: Each lateral move has its nuances. For example, some professionals may lateral due to firm-specific challenges, such as limited deal flow, lack of upward mobility, or internal politics.
For those starting their careers, the advice is to focus on building a strong foundation of skills and relationships. Lateral moves can be strategic, but they should align with your long-term vision and criteria for success.
Sources: Banking vs. The Buy-side: 10.5 considerations, Lateraling Guide for Investment Banking, Banking vs. The Buy-side: 10.5 considerations, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/going-from-mm-investment-bank-to-mega-fund?customgpt=1, There and Back Again - A Banker's Tale
Well you're gonna hate my answer since it's a WSO cliche...
Because I was at CS and the new bosses at UBS fumbled the bag. I liked the people I worked with and at least on my team the culture was good (srs) but too much key man risk, being a little vague here to not self dox but I had a strong MD who if he left, I then don't know what happens to me. Among other things. We had some RIFs of obvious non-performers but others who were just wrong place wrong time and with more ASOs coming on in the fall and our group already has a bunch, idk where that leaves me.
I'm less than a month at the new bank but the people seem nice to work with at least. May be a bit sweatier than UBS but to be fair, also was because my old group didn't have a ton of deal flow, so I don't want to jump to conclusions too soon. Felt like I had to shake something up
What coverage group were you in at UBS, where the culture was good? FSG and GIG are the closest I feel like you can get to that in terms of not being toxic, but some people in both groups work insane hours. I heard CR culture is good, but they hired a few Barclays guys, which, given the track records of those guys, probably means CR no longer has a good culture.
Because I was at UBS, and I felt the bank getting slightly worse from month to month in many ways
Basically the pay and opportunity to join a bank on the rise. Left a bloated, low paying bank for a bank in growth mode. People seem much happier at my new shop.
In my experience, the mid/upper middle performers are most likely to lateral. The top performers get taken care of and the bottom wants to cruise and collect a check at their current shop. Middle performers can benefit a lot jumping to the right shop.
Agree, if you're top bucket throughout, you get a pretty easy ride to the top of an org, and there is no real reason to leave. If you're bottom bucket, you won't get many options to leave, as typically not staffed on the big deals. Was top bucket all my career, and it's crazy how much building goodwill over the years internally does for your bonuses and promotion chances compared to others. Being top bucket the first few years set's you up to be top bucket the next few years, since you have already built goodwill, it doesn't make any sense tsetso move at that stage.
Optio possimus aut voluptas explicabo eius nesciunt molestiae vel. Quo dicta quia maiores quae eaque repudiandae. Tenetur officiis aut unde dolorem. Consectetur et modi qui qui enim aspernatur dolore. Quis recusandae repellendus et et cupiditate ullam incidunt consequuntur. Excepturi molestiae delectus sint magni quidem sequi. Consequuntur adipisci quos natus quas libero rerum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...