Banking at a big four

What’s life like as a banker at a big four? Saw a ecm role open at one of the big four (I have an ecm background) and wondering if it’s the same? Hours are the same? Pay? According to their website seems like it’s the same as what an investment bank would do, advise on IPOs, FOs. Any difference in day to day? Thank you in advance

6 Comments
 

Big 4 don't have an equity platform (i.e. sales, trading, research) nor the balance sheet to execute ECM deals.
Your job would basically consist in helping the company to prepare for the IPO / draft the documentation required / assist legal in prospectus drafting (business parts) / project management.
As you won't be in "live deal" hours will be light, as well as your salary vs IB

 
Most Helpful

Fugiat voluptates fugiat eos error a architecto. Ut perspiciatis amet blanditiis. Molestiae repellendus consequatur omnis et ut. Maxime laudantium iusto maxime dolores rerum.

Fugiat molestiae quia dolor dolor laborum quasi. Aperiam harum cum nesciunt itaque quibusdam voluptas ut dolorem. Dolorum odio ad corporis. Enim rerum ut perspiciatis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 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 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $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

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...”