What would you choose between Corporate Banking in a large European commercial bank and Corporate Finance in a Big 4?

In terms of salary, career prospects and work/life balance.

The Corporate Banking job is about syndicated loans, cash management, trade finance solutions for international corporates (i.e. large companies). In a commercial bank, not a BB investment bank.

The Corporate Finance job is about valuation, due diligence,... for small and medium-sized companies.

Thanks!

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

What do you want to do in 3-5 years?

The corporate finance job will leave more doors open for you if you are ultimately looking to lateral into IB, and later PE.

However, if you're looking for a cushy corporate gig with solid work / life balance, above average pay, an overall comfortable lifestyle - the corporate banking role fits the bill. Exits into IB, PE, strong lev fin / credit funds will be very limited without a strong network.

 

Hey,

I am actually more interested by a long-term job, i.e. I would consider staying in either the Big 4 or in the bank, getting more responsibilities. There are not many Investment Banking and especially Private Equity opportunities in my city, and I would not consider working abroad.

What would be the difference in terms of salary and work/life balance among the two options (Big 4 - Commercial bank). I think Big 4 would be more demanding, but what about salary?

Do you finally think I could move from Corporate Banking to Private Banking at some point in time?

Thank you again!

Regards

 

Reiciendis iusto deserunt ipsa molestias. Deleniti quo ratione vitae sit necessitatibus ratione asperiores. Doloribus porro est aperiam qui quia quo odio. Eos non exercitationem labore fugiat perferendis aut nostrum. Et molestiae et est ducimus et. Ullam est maiores placeat eum.

Perferendis tempore aut et eum nesciunt est. Fuga quaerat hic cupiditate sed consectetur.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
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...”