Aggressive trading floor culture at American Banks

Is it true that at the like of GS, JPM, BAML and MS the culture on the trading floor tends to be more "aggressive" both in terms of trading activity and the general ethos? Any insight in London offices would be more appreciated!

7 Comments
 
Mont

Is it true that at the like of GS, JPM, BAML and MS the culture on the trading floor tends to be more "aggressive" both in terms of trading activity and the general ethos? Any insight in London offices would be more appreciated!

Bump, also interested.

 

I would agree. ML is seen as less aggressive and European banks in general much friendlier culture. This is based on friends' tales and having worked at 1 US bank and 1 European bank.

 
Best Response

Based on my own experience + friends. GS is known for high amount of pressure, you'll get squeezed hard, but then if you survive it's probably the best place in terms of pay/exit opps. No clue about JPM, no clue about barcap, CS too. Merill used to be like the old far west, cowboys and backstabbing everwhere, but apparently since the crisis things calmed down. I heard some horror stories about DB, many douchebags out there. MS is noticeably friendlier in London, but at the same time it tends to be very political. UBS London fired people by desactivating their entrance pass if that helps you assess the mood. French banks are... French, not unfriendly but culture is different.

 
Zafrynex

Based on my own experience + friends.
GS is known for high amount of pressure, you'll get squeezed hard, but then if you survive it's probably the best place in terms of pay/exit opps.
No clue about JPM, no clue about barcap, CS too.
Merill used to be like the old far west, cowboys and backstabbing everwhere, but apparently since the crisis things calmed down.
I heard some horror stories about DB, many douchebags out there.
MS is noticeably friendlier in London, but at the same time it tends to be very political.
UBS London fired people by desactivating their entrance pass if that helps you assess the mood.
French banks are... French, not unfriendly but culture is different.

Thanks Zafrynex,

Could you pls elaborate a bit on BAML?

 

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