Post-MBA Private Banking
1st Year at an M7, thinking about pursuing the PB route. Have my hesitations regarding Exit Opps and intellectual engagement but feel like the upside on WLB and long-term comp ceiling outweigh the negatives. Any post-mba JPM Private Bankers or GS advisors out there with input on expectations or their experiences?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about pursuing the Private Banking (PB) route post-MBA, particularly at firms like JPM or GS:
Work-Life Balance (WLB):
Compensation:
Exit Opportunities:
Intellectual Engagement:
Personal Fit:
Key Considerations:
Ultimately, PB offers a unique blend of lifestyle, compensation, and client interaction, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you're still unsure, reaching out to current professionals in the field for informational interviews could provide additional clarity.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/jp-morgan-private-bank-compensation-ladder-lifestyle?customgpt=1, JPM Private Bankers??, GS Private Wealth Management post MBA, Post MBA IB associates, how did you know you could handle the life?, For Those Considering Banking - Some Broad Advice
I debated PB out of mba, but went into IB instead precisely due to your stated concerns.
The short version: I have now transferred to the PB after several years in IB
The combination of WLB, long term growth / upside, and control over your own destiny is simply too good in the PB, and the work is still interesting enough when dealing with interesting people and their financial circumstances
If I had to do it over I simply would have started there, but there is an ego thing where I felt like I needed to check the box of IB and the “intellectual rigor”
I can only hope that you seeing this comment will allow you to consider passing on this dumb step I made that was unnecessary
For the record, I explored and received competitive offers from Corp Dev / strategy and one LMM PE option as I explored banking exits. But after turning those down I revisited the PB and spoke with a dozen or so folks who worked there (including 2 other ex IB)
It’s true, the technical skills and exit ops are narrower, but what is overlooked is that VP in IB and above turn into similar client facing sales roles (l left IB as an early VP)
I decided that at some point the “optionality” wasn’t the point and given that it’s partially a function of time, the sooner I got started in the PB the better
How did you find your PB role? Ex colleague? LinkedIn?
Pure networking.
First with somebody in my mba class who had made the switch (not in my location) then with somebody in my local market who also switched from IB.
After that I was put in touch with recruiter and convos continued formally through them and also through additional contacts for “off the record” convos as I tried to learn more
Are you at JPM? Do you mind sharing your comp and what comp progression looks like? I realize it’s based on performance but it would be helpful to hear what “average” looks like.
Joined as a VP so I can’t speak to the post mba standard progression exactly, but have heard from others the base goes like 150-170 during those years and bonuses like 25-50ish (?) but if you bring in assets as a senior associate you can get bigger bonuses that will take you close to toward 300 or more but these are all case by case
VP base varies person to person but is typically 200+, similarly, new hire plans give you bonuses based on assets in the door. I was told that typical folks bring 20-40ish a year, which can translate to like 100-200 in bonus money
From IB perspective, would consider it to be half a tier down. Aka - early VP in PB is likely making senior associate IB money. However, 2 things: 1) the upside is uncapped. I personally know VPs who made 600+ and believe others in the office were even higher, 2) it’s hard to overstate the time commitment difference, but really more about your control. I will not get a 10pm email that derails my night or a 6pm Friday staffing that obliterates the weekend plans I set.
Executive directors and MDs once again broad ranges and these are decent guesses from what I’ve heard, are like 300 base/500+ all in, and MDs (no idea base) 750+ all in with “rain makers” in the millions? Somebody correct me if that’s off
The downside / worst case scenario in the PB is you get paid a very solid base and if you can’t bring in assets very well you can go work for the zillion other wealth managers who desperately need young talent. Pay might not be top tier at first but you’d be surprised after a few years how well if grows at these independents
One additional perspective. At your mba program you’ll no doubt meet many peers interested in search funds or ETA. They’ll screen for a wide range of businesses, yet seemingly exclude wealth advisory practices, which quite literally check every box of their stated criteria and are much more easy to transition to than something like an auto collision repair shop.
-recurring revenue that grows with market
-unreal demographic trends (peep recent McKinsey study on advisor shortage)
-tons of current / old advisors with no succession plan more open to offloading or developing an off ramp to pass off book
-huge comp upside
-location variety, not limited in geography
-super low overhead
-limited downside after key man leaves (clients are sticky historically) compared to other businesses searchers go after
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