Attending a target versus a non-target university makes a huge difference when it comes to landing your first role. These categories are based on the relative attractiveness of universities reputation and more concretely, recruitment activity and networking opportunities available on campus. Targets universities are competitive to get into, but are a really safe bet when it comes to breaking into the industry. If you achieve the minimum 2:1 degree classification required for graduate or...

A commonly asked question by students is: would [insert degree] be "good enough" to break into [insert industry]? While a valid question to ask, the answer is complex and is not always a simple "Yes" or "No". Degree/Subject Choice First of all, you should study a subject that you think you will like studying; not because of whatever prospects it may offer to becoming an investment banker or a super-star trader. If you do this one thing, you will have already done yourself a favor and saved...

Industry Coverage Groups are specialized teams within investment banks that focus and have expertise in specific sectors/industries exclusively. Within a deal team, analysts to MD gain deep industry knowledge (as well as build valuable relationships in parallel) mostly through helping these enterprises raise capital or merge with another enterprise. Choosing the right industry group to join as a graduate is an important choice to make, as it will have a long-term impact on your career. It...

Big US banks have relied on traders for at least 75% of their Wall Street revenues for more than three years https://www.ft.com/content/dd9a7e83-5a3e-45b3-b2af-8b2a124474c6

Decision comes as Big Four group grapples with ‘uncertain’ market conditions https://www.ft.com/content/815e65e8-b65d-431d-812d-85788ec6fdf6

Breaking into top finance roles means embarking on one of the most intense and potentially rewarding career paths. Long hours, steep learning curves, and high-stakes deliverables will test even the most driven junior analyst or associate. But with the right playbook, you can not only survive but also build lasting momentum. This article aims to show you how to evaluate potential employers, navigate day-to-day pressures without burning out, and thrive both technically and culturally in a...

A crucial tool of the trade, PowerPoint is the powerhouse for your slide decks for every dealmaker in finance. It's used to create expensive, high-stakes, storytelling, marketing materials to sell a business or raise capital. However, PowerPoint can quickly become a huge time-drain, especially for juniors, with seemingly minor issues such as alignment, colour compatibility or endless iterations to improve slides to ‘make it look better’ or ‘make it more visual and less text heavy’. Learning...

HSBC fired investment bankers on the day they were due to learn their bonus figures and gave no bonuses to many it let go, in a sign of how the bank is taking a more ruthless approach to costs under new chief executive Georges Elhedery. https://www.ft.com/content/ebf1bd58-0a9f-4c10-b0f0-709e97661680

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...