Securities Services is Paradise

Current AN1 at Tier 1 BB following an SA conversion in 22", now working within the banks FO securities services team. I felt the need to share this post because I'm yet to see this division talked about on these forums. 

A bit of background, graduated in 23" spending my whole time in undergrad pursuing an IBD role. When the market got hairy during SA recruiting, I pivoted to less cyclical area's of the bank.

I applied to Sec Services and following a number of interviews I landed the role, and it has been the best career move I have made since. 

Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7

Pay: Matched IBD & S&T Base with bonuses historically coming in at 10-15% less (looking at last 5 bonus pools) 

Culture: Unbelievable, everyone is relaxed and whilst the work is demanding at times, you're rarely there past 8. The seniors will almost want you to go home if you're working past 7.30

Promotion: AS1 is typically achieved after 18 months to 2 years, where you're guaranteed an AS1 FO base with the same 10-15% smaller bonus pool. 

The area of the bank is growing rapidly, with the division securing it's largest ever pool of funding following the banks plans to divest from cyclical area's of the market. There's a genuine sense of excitement as to where this area of the bank is going, as we continue to attract clients from traditional AM's and custodians. 

I just thought I would shed some light on this area of the bank for the undergrad's to let them know, that in a shitty shitty market like this, there are some phenomenal opportunities outside of IBD in a BB

12 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're having a great experience in the Securities Services division at a Tier 1 BB. Here are some key points you've shared:

  • The hours are quite manageable, typically from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
  • The pay is competitive, matching IBD & S&T Base with bonuses historically coming in at 10-15% less.
  • The culture is fantastic, with a relaxed atmosphere and seniors who respect work-life balance.
  • Promotion to AS1 is typically achieved after 18 months to 2 years, with a guaranteed AS1 FO base and a slightly smaller bonus pool.
  • The division is growing rapidly, with significant funding and an influx of clients from traditional AM's and custodians.

It's great to hear that you're finding success and satisfaction in this role, and your insights could be very helpful for undergraduates exploring their options in the current market. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Sources: Commodity Sales at BB - Culture, Hours, Career Prospects/Growth?, 2017 Commercial/Corporate Banking Bonuses, BB Wholesale Credit Versus MM / Regional Bank IB

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

WSO is FO or bust, we all know that and why we’re here.

This would be a good Reddit post.

 

Securities Services is FO.

We’re comped 90% of IBD, we’re comped better than markets and we’re comped significantly better than AWM.

Also, did I mention that my comp this year was better than MS IBD AN1 / DB IBD AN1 / CITI IBD AN1.

Even if my role wasn’t FO, the whole FO/MO is bullshit when you’re working for a Tier1/Tier1.5 BB.

 
Most Helpful

What do you people do can't find anything on the line

In simple terms, securities services refer to the comprehensive suite of financial services that we provide to buy-side clients. Our primary objective is to manage and support as many aspects of financing and trading operations as possible, allowing our buy-side clients to concentrate on their core investment strategies.

These services encompass a wide range of functions, including sec lending, middle-office solutions, margin lending, and cloud capabilities for enhanced data management and analytics. Essentially, we aim to offer a holistic trading and financing solution that caters to the majority of our buy-side clients’ needs, covering about 90% of their financing requirements.

By outsourcing these complex and resource-intensive activities to us, our clients can leverage our expertise and infrastructure, resulting in increased efficiency and focus on their investment activities. 

 

Hey I am actually in a very similar position deciding between securities services and another position. What is your ideal career goals in the future with this role? My ultimate goal is to end up in private equity, do you think it's possible to go from a role in securities services to private equity? Thanks

 

Yeah I absolutely do. If you're a top bucket analyst you'll have the opportunity to interview lateral to IB within your BB. Do a stint there and exit to PE

 

Aut sunt vitae sit voluptates omnis qui vel. Omnis accusamus eos consequatur enim aut. Totam aspernatur in nemo fugit qui. Saepe vitae qui dolor nisi provident et qui. Sapiente molestiae quaerat ut quo aut ut animi. Ad recusandae iusto ipsam est illo fuga nobis alias.

Laudantium magnam sunt et a soluta qui debitis voluptatibus. Consequatur dolorum impedit quaerat maiores aut velit delectus. Aut temporibus quam iure dignissimos odio aspernatur unde. Magni similique vero aut sapiente aut. Ab officia a vel officiis consequuntur temporibus ut. Voluptatem nisi voluptatum quibusdam est laudantium placeat expedita.

Corporis enim totam non et maiores. Et ut totam ut ut. Optio provident aliquid porro debitis reprehenderit. Praesentium est consequuntur et dolore consectetur. Temporibus sunt numquam eos recusandae sint. Qui fuga illo est ex molestiae perspiciatis. Magni ad quam nulla autem consequatur quaerat.

Architecto reiciendis ut in dolorem ut et nobis illo. Quia minus quae facere inventore pariatur ut. Pariatur dolores qui fugit. Sint ipsam et facilis dolores. Aut aperiam in et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (68) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”