BB Corporate Banking vs Terrible Boutique Investment Banking

BB Corp Banking vs investment banking analyst at one of the worst banks in Canada (out of the top 50 on the league tables they are consistently 45th ish).

Is it better to have a big name (with more relaxed hours to pass all CFA levels and nail a good GMAT) or to do investment banking for a terrible bank.

Any help would be deeply appreciated!!

 

What are the salaries? Or which is higher if you don't want to disclose, %, etc..

You don't really need a CFA for IB.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Corporate Banking at the BB pays 60k base with a minimum 10% bonus (and I believe the cap is 25%) so all in would be 66-75k. While the IB position is 65k base however the bonus is unclear (however I am assuming higher).

I understand that the CFA is not required for a strong career in IB, however, I am trying to keep all exits available.

 

So essentially TD corporate banking vs Laurentian Bank IB. That is tough. I've seen corporate banking guys from BB banks move to DCM, LevFin, or credit funds. I do not know the exits from Laurentian as I do know anyone who has worked at that low of a bank for IB. Hopefully someone on this forum will help you.

 

Attempting to lateral to IB would likely have to be outside the bank I am guessing right? As they will likely not want to spend two years training me only to have me leave to a different part of the bank and wasting all that money. And the IB lateral opportunities are likely limited to debt focused roles right? Such as DCM or Levfin? Do any corporate bankers have experience here? Would be much appreciated. :)

 
Best Response

What do you want to do in the intermediate term (~5 years)?

The boutique IB will give you a slightly better chance, assuming you actually get some deal flow, to move into a MM or BB IB. There's no replicating m&a experience.

You'll still have a solid chance of moving into IB going the corporate banking route. I did it from a MM CB to an upper MM IB. What the CB route also gives you is the chance to work less hours and still get paid well/gain relevant knowledge. If you're not looking to go into PE or be a lifer in IB - I'd go with the CB route and see how you feel after 1 year, again after 1.5-2 years, then decide if you think the grind to IB and it's 80+ hour weeks will be worth it. You'll still have the ability to move into IB (within your BB or without), have a solid brand name, and also that option to stay on and progress in cushier, while still fairly lucrative role.

 

IMO if you want to do IB than i would take the IB offer even if a smaller bank/shop. If you are indifferent and want more relaxed atmosphere plus time to study for GMAT than yeah go with the CB BB offer.

 

Tempora occaecati eos at quo omnis molestiae. Quis illo aut odit natus. Ab sed quasi dolorem. Asperiores praesentium est expedita autem at. Suscipit laborum amet voluptatem porro dolorem labore molestias. Ipsam laboriosam earum sequi beatae beatae autem. Amet praesentium dolore sit enim libero laudantium.

Iusto magnam aut doloremque et. Et in soluta tempora incidunt tempore. Repudiandae laborum omnis tenetur nihil. Sapiente porro provident illo. A et et accusamus dicta est esse. Ipsam rem natus eum voluptatibus facere libero quod.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”