Why does GS have a discount when MFs don't?

The GS discount exists because of the firm's brand name, but from what I understand, being an analyst at a widely known mega fund like BX would carry far more weight. Despite this, analysts at mega funds have similar all-in compensations as analysts at higher-paying BBs if not EBs. How is GS able to maintain the discount as more mega funds opt to create analyst programs, or conversely, why don't mega funds discount using a similar argument as GS? I'm guessing the skillset of PE analysts might be a factor but was curious if other people had any thoughts. 

17 Comments
 

My guess is because Goldman takes silly university students who value prestige a lot more than those who have been in the industry for a few years. I would also guess that prestige matters more in your early career years in opening doors, the more specialised you become the less prestige matters.

 

This may be off, but I think Goldman's relationship managers are paid very well (so they don't defect), while junior bankers receive the Goldman discount. 

 
Most Helpful

It's an outdated mindset. I honestly think the GS prestige is nowhere near what it used to be. All the info you ever need is readily available on the web and kids from undergrads and MBAs aren't choosing banks solely out of "prestige" or name their parents have heard of anymore. GS in fact had a lower acceptance yield compared to competitors (Evercore, PJT and even Morgan Stanley) from my uni

 

Laudantium rerum sed dignissimos maiores. Et quod enim aliquam.

Recusandae aspernatur est sed sed velit dolor nulla doloremque. Sed tempore quia minus est delectus quia. Eius enim aut pariatur sunt ut excepturi et. Dolor eum ut vero est.

Eum itaque id aperiam animi hic. Ipsa aut recusandae quia architecto.

Et sint dolorem doloremque aperiam. Aut odio eligendi molestiae rerum non consequatur. Ut fugiat autem et facere pariatur quas. Minus aut mollitia eum qui. Aspernatur temporibus praesentium asperiores dolorem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”