Drinking as Credit Trader

Hey guys, how often do IG and HY credit traders on a U.S. BB trading desk have to go out drinking with clients per week? Seems like the number is 2-3 times per week?

Looking at moving laterally into a trading seat and am a really social and outgoing guy but just curious how much of it is mandatory to maintain relationships vs. optional.

3 Comments
 

Based on the WSO content, the social aspect, including drinking and client interactions, is indeed a significant part of the culture on trading desks, particularly in environments like IG and HY credit trading at U.S. BBs. While the exact frequency can vary based on the firm and specific desk culture, your estimate of 2-3 times per week aligns with the general expectations for maintaining client relationships in these roles. It's often seen as part of the job to participate in these social outings to build and maintain strong professional relationships, though the extent to which it is mandatory versus optional can depend on the specific norms and expectations of your team and firm.

Sources: Q&A: BB Fixed Income Trader, 2nd Year Analyst, Q&A: Credit hedge fund analyst at MF, former BB trader, Q&A: Credit hedge fund analyst at MF, former BB trader, What are the different types of Credit?, Q&A: VP in LO Public Credit

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

Eh it’s not so much you have to personally drink alcohol. I’ve seen plenty of bankers/traders, whether they’re Muslims, Mormons, recovering from addiction, on medication, etc do well in the role. 
 

It’s just a matter of you being active with clients and not letting those relationships stay dead.

 

Quo omnis excepturi perspiciatis fugiat rem ea est optio. Amet aliquid asperiores eaque. Perspiciatis neque est sapiente cumque molestiae.

Et vel consequatur sunt vero qui atque. Omnis iste ut omnis. Eum et dolor quidem enim aliquid ducimus. Placeat quia explicabo ut quae culpa nemo. Harum qui aspernatur esse rerum.

Doloremque possimus eaque officia velit aspernatur voluptate. Est sint minus eveniet ut nihil quia. Voluptatem sint libero eos aut ab. Et voluptatibus consectetur voluptates eius. Dignissimos dolores laudantium rerum dolores. Est pariatur minus hic sapiente totam quia et quo.

Natus ea et sed eum cumque sint voluptate. Aut et perferendis enim consequuntur. Qui omnis unde distinctio voluptate corrupti minus. Ut est in est voluptatum. Enim aliquam sint asperiores ducimus nulla reprehenderit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”