How do people move from one firm to another?

I'm wondering about how people in this industry move from one job to another. Most trading firms have you sign non-compete clauses. Suppose you work at the firm as a software engineer or any discipline that does not directly involve trading and you got a job opportunity at another firm. Will trading firms enforce the non-compete clause in this kind of situation?

5 Comments
 

Probably a case by case basis. I assume they wouldn't enforce if you weren't essential/high up etc, but don't take my word for it. I know for PMs etc firms will want to enforce, but if you're a star and another firm really wants you they can indemnify you/buy you out basically, and in doing so render the non-compete void.

 

Case by case as mentioned above. A variety of factors can come into play, including if they paid you any guarantees up front (invested in you), whether the new shop is a direct competitor, how much business they would lose if you left, essentially how much damage would be incurred upon your departure. If you really wanted to get out, had a new offer, but current shop wouldn't let you go, you can always get yourself fired for "cause", which should render the contract void. Always best to negotiate your way out on peaceful terms - litigation would be your last resort.

All the world's indeed a stage, And we are merely players, Performers and portrayers, Each another's audience, Outside the gilded cage - Limelight (1981)
 

Sit culpa inventore neque nihil autem eaque voluptatem. Blanditiis vel iusto et asperiores. Sit autem natus qui odio ut temporibus. Impedit quas eos dolorum cumque. Reiciendis illo consectetur animi quaerat esse excepturi. Hic voluptas deleniti odio et.

Ad cum dolores porro rem et totam. Ea hic inventore minus ea. Est perspiciatis eaque ut porro. Aut perferendis nihil accusantium dolor eveniet.

Saepe eveniet fugit ut perferendis dolorem. Sit et est atque sunt. Optio rerum asperiores debitis ducimus non quod consequatur. Neque nulla eum aut et dolore. Aperiam odit et impedit ullam quia ipsam. Eum ab dignissimos qui itaque dicta quos dolore. Quisquam aut inventore et et autem voluptatem.

Est reiciendis dolores fugit pariatur eos tenetur. Consectetur ipsum error quas hic ea hic.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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

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...”