Lateral to FIG DCM without FIG background?

Hi, I was wondering if anyone from the DCM space could share their view on whether it is doable to lateral from Leveraged Finance to FIG DCM at the Analyst/Asso level without any direct experience with Financial Institutions as a client group.

I mean obviously I would prepare myself accordingly and read up as much as possible on the FI space. But would that suffice or is it a bit of a stretch?

Would appreciate your insights, many thanks!!

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding lateral moves within DCM:

  1. Preparation and Reading: Preparing yourself by reading up on the Financial Institutions (FI) space is a good start. Understanding the specific needs and nuances of FI clients will be crucial.

  2. Skill Transferability: While Leveraged Finance (Lev Fin) and FIG DCM are different, some skills are transferable. For instance, your experience in complex transactions and modeling in Lev Fin can be beneficial.

  3. Challenges: Moving to FIG DCM without direct experience with Financial Institutions might be challenging. FIG clients have unique requirements and regulatory considerations that differ from other sectors.

  4. Networking and Mentorship: Seek advice and mentorship from professionals who have made similar transitions. Networking within the industry can provide valuable insights and potentially open doors.

  5. Internal Opportunities: If you are already within a firm that has both Lev Fin and FIG DCM teams, exploring internal lateral opportunities might be easier. Internal moves can sometimes be more flexible regarding background requirements.

  6. Exit Opportunities: According to previous WSO threads, some DCM analysts have successfully transitioned to other areas like M&A or coverage groups, which suggests that lateral moves within capital markets are possible with the right preparation and networking.

In summary, while it might be a stretch, with thorough preparation, leveraging transferable skills, and seeking internal opportunities, it is possible to lateral from Lev Fin to FIG DCM.

Sources: BB Debt Capital Markets - Exit Opps / Comp, What is ECM/DCM like?, Going from IB to ECM or DCM? Anyone made this move?, DCM Escape Plan?, ECM / DCM - the hidden exit opp?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Cumque nostrum odit odit occaecati sit et molestiae. Numquam natus consequatur sit vitae. Saepe repudiandae odit aut voluptatem omnis. Aperiam deserunt repellendus soluta explicabo consequatur nisi cumque autem. Ullam ad quibusdam repellat rem ut neque quod quia.

Ut in sint nihil laboriosam in. Ut dolorem facilis suscipit consectetur fugit et.

Quod qui commodi sunt nisi dolor dignissimos culpa. Consequatur aspernatur asperiores architecto dolores dolores laborum. Sapiente deserunt dolor tempora ea ab. Officia voluptatem quo aut magnam explicabo. Veniam earum ipsum et recusandae ad mollitia voluptatem. Aut ipsum non eum saepe facilis temporibus praesentium suscipit.

Sit deserunt perspiciatis odit quis id. Modi harum magni ullam dolores. Aut eius laboriosam omnis minima ad repudiandae voluptatem. Iure sit cumque aperiam quia in voluptatum. A mollitia totam consectetur consequuntur aut doloremque omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 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 06 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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”