In the finance world, Excel is where the technical work gets done, and keyboard shortcuts are your cheat codes. Few things are more frustrating than spending hours in Excel, clicking through menus with your mouse, only to see a colleague complete the same work in half the time, blazing through with multiple tips and tricks. Whether you're a student creating your first financial model, an Analyst or Associate engaged in valuation work, mastering Excel efficiency is a necessity to succeed in...

Sooner or later in their lives and careers, individuals pursuing further educational opportunities go through a decision-making process whether such move is worth their while and if so, which institution to select. Motivations behind the choice to continue studying vary, spanning from advancing existing knowledge in a certain field, gaining a new skill or simply buying a ticket into the networking opportunities a prestigious institution would potentially offer via its alumni. Many questions...

Should I go into FIG M&A? Working within the FIG team at an investment bank will be a unique experience compared to that of the other teams. This article will address some of the features unique to the sector and hopefully help in assessing whether FIG is for you. Technical. FIG is renowned for being more technically demanding than other teams and this is due to the nature of the companies you’ll be advising. FIG can be broadly divided into the following sub-verticals: Banks, Insurance...

Should I Stay in Investment Banking or Move to Private Equity? Whether to stay in Investment Banking or attempt a move to potentially greener pastures in Private Equity is an important question that will cross the mind of most young bankers. Both career paths are very well paid and will offer fantastic experiences both personally and professionally. In this article I’ll set out some of the key reasons for staying in either Investment Banking or Private Equity. Investment Banking: Deal...

M&A advisory is the business of buying and selling businesses. It connects ambitious buyers with willing sellers, whether advising entrepreneurs on the sale of their company or guiding private equity (‘PE’) firms through complex acquisitions and mergers. It is a game of high-stakes matchmaking powered by strategy, negotiation, analysis and deal execution. M&A professionals serve as trusted advisors to business owners and acquirers. The role is commonly fast-paced, with short deadlines and a...

Excel, often called the backbone of finance, is a tool no professional in investment banking, private equity, or corporate finance can afford to overlook. Mastering Excel is not just about technical skills but about creating purpose-built, clear, credible, and efficient spreadsheets that people trust. This trust, when consistently earned, can significantly enhance your professional reputation. In this article, we aim to share our hard-earned experience with you so you can benefit from it...

The following is a post sponsored by BreakInToPE.com, the premier coaching service in the UK and EU for aspiring PE professionals. Breaking into Private Equity (PE) in Europe is a significant milestone for finance professionals, and the private equity interview process is a critical step toward achieving that goal. Even the most technically skilled candidates can falter during private equity interviews if their communication isn't up to par. In an industry where clarity, precision, and...

A common mistake many analysts make in their initial years at an investment bank is being so focused on technical skills that they forget the importance of soft skills. This article runs through what I can consider some of the most vital soft skills to ensure you consistently find yourself in the top bucket (as faultless modelling alone definitely won’t do it). Be proactive An easy way to impress your seniors early on is by being over-prepared for internal meetings / catch-ups to discuss...

How to Build a Simple LBO What is an LBO? An LBO analyses the implied financial returns of the acquisition of a company purchased with a significant amount of debt, by a financial sponsor / private equity firm. The implied returns are typically expressed as an internal rate of return (IRR) or multiple-on-money (MoM). The acquirer aims to use the minimum possible amount of equity capital to fund the acquisition in order to maximise returns. Step by Step Guide: 1. Assumptions Entry...

Level last seen in 2002 as tech-fuelled equity rally throws up red flag on ‘Fed model’ https://www.ft.com/content/f8b6dbb5-eb9b-4639-b72a-e7c9b2925bb3

Investors piled into fixed income in bet on falling interest rates https://www.ft.com/content/de2c7f49-1ae0-4f02-b403-6c12dfa55b76

In the ever-evolving world of finance and investment banking, carving out a unique career path can seem daunting, yet rewarding. Today, on Canary Wharfian, we sit down with a finance professional who has done just that, openly sharing insights and experiences that shed light on the demanding yet exciting world of finance. A Passion for Numbers and Strategy Beginning with a solid educational foundation, our guest studied economics and finance at Bocconi University. From the beginning of...

By now, you will have seen the results of the US elections with Donald Trump heading for a second term. But what will that mean for the economy? It was widely assumed that he is the more pro-business candidate. Trump's new administration is expected to adopt a more aggressive stance on trade, particularly with China. He has proposed imposing tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports and 10-20% on goods from other countries. The average at the moment is less than 1.5% This might help protect...

In the realm of sales & trading careers (AKA Global Markets), the trajectory can often be as complex and multidimensional as the financial instruments one might trade. A conversation with an accomplished finance professional reveals how varied and international a career in this field can be, emphasizing the blend of passion, adaptability, and diverse skill sets required to succeed as a trader. From Golf to Trading The journey began in Brunei, continued through high school in Australia...

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, there's a growing trend of professionals charting bold new courses beyond traditional pathways. Wesley, a guest on Canary Wharfian today, shares his enlightening journey, transitioning from high-stakes finance to spearheading a health tech startup. His story underscores the importance of aligning one's career with personal passions while utilizing transferable skills acquired from traditional finance roles. Navigating Career Transitions: A...

What can graduates do in today's economic downturn? The days of low interest rates are gone, and while interest rates are not rising anymore, who knows when the days of low rates will return? If you are a recent graduate or about to graduate next year, you might have found yourself having trouble finding your dream job amidst the current economic slowdown. It is a reality that economic cycles (natural fluctuations in economic activity that an economy experiences over time) come and go, so...

Psychometric test prep packages can often close to a 100 pounds. Have you ever wished for cheaper alternatives? Are you nervous before HireVue/MyInterview interviews? Do you feel overwhelmed with the number of programmes available and competing deadlines? Confused by all the news stories and want to keep up-to-date with current events (commercial awareness is a crucial aspect at interviews)? Have you ever considered using AI to improve your resume? Have you ever considered using AI to...