Investment Banking Talent Recruitment | Selby

Selby Jennings: Specialist Talent Partner in Investment Banking Recruitment

Investment banking firms and professionals in the US need a dependable investment banking recruiter. For 20 years, Selby Jennings has been meeting the permanent, contract, and multi-hire needs of the financial sciences and services industry.

Here at Selby Jennings we take pride in what we do, streamlining processes and upskilling workforces across three continents, North America, Europe, and APAC, advising Investment Banking leaders with expert insights. From benchmarking compensation and benefits packages, to how to implement flexible working models, we assist financial services firms with the recruitment they need, as well as Investment Banking professionals throughout their career moves.

Whether you’re interested in securing the very best Corporate Banking talent or an investment banker looking for your next Investment Banking Associate, Corporate Banking Analyst, or Corporate Banking Senior Associate role, Selby Jennings Investment Banking is here, ready to connect exceptional talent to industry-leading clients.

If you're a Investment Banking professional, please register your CV/resume.

If you're looking for Investment Banking talent, please register your vacancy today.

What are the benefits of working with Selby Jennings for Investment Banking talent?

We are a specialist Investment Banking talent partner. Among the many benefits of working with Selby Jennings’ global Investment Banking team are:

Experience

We have 20 years of experience as a leading Investment Banking recruiter in financial sciences & services.

Network

A vast, global network of the best, in-demand professionals, working with the world’s largest financial institutions to innovative fintech start-ups and beyond.

Knowledge

Our award-winning talent specialists offer bespoke, tailored guidance on the latest hiring trends and industry news to help you achieve your goals.

At Selby Jennings, we believe in fostering long-term partnerships based on trust, integrity, and mutual success. Our Investment Banking recruitment consultants strive to provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific requirements, offering flexible options to accommodate your Investment Banking hiring preferences. Whether you need to fill critical positions quickly or are seeking strategic talent acquisition solutions, we have the resources and expertise to deliver results. Submit your vacancy to us today.

Take the first step towards overcoming your talent shortage today by completing the form. Our Investment Banking team looks forward to speaking with you to explore how we can partner with your organization to meet your Investment Banking recruitment needs efficiently and effectively.

Investment Banking Roles

The finance world is evolving, and Investment Banking professionals are key players in this arena. Partner with us here at Selby Jennings, and your career could benefit from our deep insights in the financial sciences & services industry. Review our current Investment Banking vacancies or submit your CV/resume, and one of our consultants will be in touch when an opportunity matches your profile.

M&A Associate

This role involves supporting the buyside mergers and acquisitions advisory process by interacting with clients regarding business acquisitions. The preferred candidate will be self-motivated and eager to learn and contribute to various acquisition strategies while gaining direct experience in the M&A process. Responsibilities Consistent communication with business owners and key executives Identify potential clients Develop marketing communications and pitch various clients and strategies. Requirements Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong phone skills Bachelor's degree and/or related work experience.

Up to £44000 per year

Phoenix

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Investment Banking Associate | Tech M&A

Selby Jennings is partnered with a Middle Market Investment Banking Boutique focused on Technology M&A. This Boutique boasts a strong track record closing deals, specializing in Software and Tech-Enabled verticals. The team is seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join their team, with Associates playing critical role in supporting senior bankers in the execution of transactions, conducting financial analysis, preparing client presentations, and managing due diligence processes. Key Responsibilities: - Assist in the execution of M&A transactions, including preparing pitch books, financial models, and valuation analyses. - Conduct industry research and analysis to support business development and transaction execution. - Prepare detailed financial models, including DCF, LBO, and comparable company analysis. - Participate in client meetings and presentations, providing support to senior bankers. - Manage due diligence processes, coordinating with clients, legal advisors, and other stakeholders. - Develop and maintain relationships with clients, potential buyers, and other industry professionals. Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; MBA or CFA designation is a plus. - 2-4 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, or a related field. - Strong financial modeling and analytical skills. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. - High level of attention to detail and strong organizational skills. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. If there's interest, don't hesitate to apply!

US$175000 - US$225000 per year

San Francisco

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Senior Analyst/Associate

Job Title: Life Sciences Investment Banking Senior Analyst/Associate About Us: Our client is a life sciences focused investment bank + advisory firm. With a combination of making their own investments in addition to providing M&A advisory, they have a strong depth of knowledge in the life sciences space. Position Overview: They are seeking an experienced Investment Banking Senior Analyst/Associate to join their Life Sciences team. The successful candidate will play a key role in executing transactions, conducting financial analysis, and supporting senior bankers in delivering exceptional service to our clients. Key Responsibilities: Transaction Execution: Assist in the execution of M&A, equity, and debt transactions, including preparing pitch books, financial models, and transaction documents. Financial Analysis: Conduct detailed financial analysis, including valuation, financial modeling, and due diligence for life sciences companies. Client Interaction: Support senior bankers in managing client relationships, including attending client meetings, preparing presentations, and addressing client inquiries. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Life Sciences, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus. Experience: 2-6 years of experience in investment banking, preferably with a focus on life sciences or healthcare. Skills: Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

£130000 - £175000 per year

South San Francisco

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Investment Banking Managing Director

Selby Jennings is partnered with a premier middle market sell-side M&A investment bank specializing in providing strategic advisory services to clients within niche sectors (open to industry). This bank is seeking an experienced and dynamic Managing Director to join their investment banking team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in investment banking, with a single industry sector expertise. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact transactions, build and maintain client relationships, and contribute to the strategic growth of the firm. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the execution of M&A transactions, including buyer/seller identification, negotiation, and closing. Develop and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor to clients. Oversee the preparation of detailed pitch books, presentations, and transaction-related documents. Conduct comprehensive financial analysis, including financial modeling, valuation, and due diligence. Identify and pursue new business opportunities within niche sectors of the industry. Mentor and develop junior bankers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment. Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory developments. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of experience in investment banking, with a focus on niche sectors within a single industry (e.g., healthcare, technology, FIG, consumer goods, etc.). Proven track record of successfully leading and closing middle market transactions. Strong financial modeling, analytical, and quantitative skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Series 7 and 63 licenses required. If there's interest, don't hesitate to apply!

Up to US$250000 per year

Los Angeles

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Investment Banking Associate | Technology M&A

Selby Jennings is partnered with an recent Bulge Bracket banker in founding a Boutique in Los Angeles. This lean team is founded by a driven originator and with an active book of business, and is looking to add to their current team by bringing a motivated and entrepreneurial Investment Banking Associate to join a team executing live transactions. Ideal candidates are current or recent Investment Banking Associates in Los Angeles, with background in Technology on Consumer M&A. This Associate will play a key role in transaction execution, and work closely the Managing Director and additional bankers. Key Responsibilities: Conduct financial analysis and modeling to support transaction execution. Prepare pitch books, presentations, and other marketing materials. Perform due diligence and industry research to identify potential opportunities. Assist in the preparation of transaction documents, including information memoranda and management presentations. Coordinate with clients, legal advisors, and other stakeholders throughout the transaction process. Monitor and analyze market trends and developments to provide insights and recommendations. Support senior bankers in client meetings and presentations. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field. 2-5 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, or a related field. Strong financial modeling and analytical skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Team player with a proactive and results-oriented mindset. If there's interest, don't hesitate to apply!

US$100000 - US$150000 per year

Los Angeles

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Investment Banking Managing Director

Title: Investment Banking Managing Director Company Summary: We are currently partnered with a well established, high performing specialty investment bank focused on the Industrials sector. Given the success their team has seen, they are currently looking to add an Investment Banking Managing Director to the team to assist in diversifying their coverage sectors within Industrials. Location: Houston, TX Denver, CO or Raleigh, NC The Investment Banking Managing Director will be responsible for: Originating new business in the Building Products, Construction, Engineering, or Building Materials sector Assisting in the training and mentoring of junior investment bankers Overseeing the entire transaction process from origination to successful completion Working collaboratively with other senior team members to nurture existing client relationships The Investment Banking Managing Director should have: 8+ years of investment banking experience (preferably in the Building Products, Construction, Engineering, or Building Materials sectors) Proven success originating middle market M&A transactions Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or other related field A built out book of business in the Building Products Construction, Engineering, or Building materials sector Direct ties or openness to relocate to either Houston, TX Denver, CO or Raleigh, NC This role is moving quickly! If you're interested in this opportunity please do not hesitate to apply in directly below.

US$200000 - US$225000 per year

Raleigh Township

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Investment Banking Group Head

Title: Investment Banking Group Head Location: REMOTE Company Summary: We are currently partnered with a high performing, rapidly growing middle market Investment Bank primarily based in Los Angeles, CA. This Investment Bank has been strategically hiring in groups that have seen success, and is looking for their next member of the team to lead their ADG focused group. This individual will have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in the US, build out a team underneath them, and truly take ownership of a coverage sector. The Investment Banking Group Head will be responsible for: Generating new business and maintaining existing relationships in the Aerospace, Defense, and Government sector Building out a team that will assist in the execution of transactions originated Training, mentoring, and retaining junior investment banking talent Assisting in the overall expansion of the firm The Investment Banking Group Head must have: At least 10 years of experience in Investment Banking, ideally in the ADG sector Proven ability to originate new business and M&A/Capital Markets transactions and carry through until completion Ideally a built out book of business in the Aerospace, Defense & Government Sector Bachelors degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or similar This role is moving quickly! If you're interested in the Investment Banking Group Head opportunity, do not hesitate to apply in directly below!

Up to US$275000 per year

Los Angeles

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Corporate Development Senior Analyst

Corporate Development and Strategy Senior Analyst We are currently partnered with a publicly traded global leading tech-enabled services organization in Miami, FL aiming to hire a Corporate Development and Strategy Senior Analyst. This role will have the ability to hit the ground running with a highly acquisitive organization aiming to close large global M&A transactions improving the overall company portfolio. This organization provides an incredible culture and work-life balance to build a long-term career and high growth to leadership. The Corporate Development and Strategy Senior Analyst will be responsible for: Reporting directly to the Director of Strategy and M&A. Conduct financial analysis, modeling, and valuations for potential acquisition targets internationally, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives. Financial analysis for acquisition targets and in-depth due diligence at a global capacity. Manage full life cycle merger and acquisition processes. Work on special projects as needed. The Corporate Development and Strategy Senior Analyst will have the following qualifications: 0-3 year of experience within Investment Banking, Corporate Development, or Transaction Advisory capacity. No specific industry or coverage group experience required. Experience building financial models, three-statement models, cash flow models, and more. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and professionalism. Bachelors degree in finance, economics, business, or related field. Perks Base salary + bonus + equity component. Global M&A and large transaction sizes. Opportunity for international travel. Improved work life balance with a hybrid schedule. If you are interested in the Corporate Development and Strategy Senior Analyst role, then please apply and/or email me your resume at

Negotiable

Miami

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Invest Banking Senior Associate

Title: Investment Banking Associate Company Summary: We are working with a top tier Investment Banking team in Tampa, FL looking to add an Investment Banking Associate to their growing M&A team within the Technology and Healthcare spaces. You will have the opportunity to support end-to-end deal execution process, continue to gain extensive M&A experience as well as gain direct client facing experience with a lean deal team. The Investment Banking Associate will be responsible for: Preparing and delivering presentations throughout the deal execution period. Assist in the coordination of internal and external resources in the due diligence process for M&A transactions. Assisting in the execution of M&A transactions, mostly on sell-side M&A. Conducting extensive industry, market, and company-specific research. Building and maintaining client relations with established and prospective clients. The Investment Banking Associate should have the following qualifications: 4+ years within Investment Banking. Bachelors in Finance, Economics, Business or related fields. Strong closed M&A deal experience. If you are interested in the Investment Banking Associate role, then please don't wait to apply. Email me over a copy of your resume and we can schedule a time to chat.

Negotiable

Tampa

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Corporate Development Manager

Title: Corporate Development Manager Company Summary: We are working with a top tier privately held Fintech Payment Services firm looking to add a Corporate Development Manager to their team sitting fully remote! You will have the opportunity to support end-to-end deal execution process, and help drive strategic decision making while working directly with the CFO and other c-suite level executives. Corporate Development Manager will be responsible for: Drive strategic decision making on organic and inorganic work through strategic initiatives and projects Conduct research and lead analyses on target companies, industries, and markets Assisting in the execution of M&A transactions, such as financial modeling, valuation, comparable and relative value analysis. Identify and research potential acquisition opportunities through market analysis and interactions with business partners Corporate Development Manager should have the following qualifications: 3+ years of M&A experience within Investment Banking, Consulting, Transaction Advisory or Private Equity. Ability to perform data analysis as well as visualization methods Extensive experience across the Technology space is preferred but not required. If you are interested in the Corporate Development Manager role, then please don't wait to apply!

Up to US$150000 per year

Dallas

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Corporate Development Associate

Title: Corporate Development Associate Company Summary: We are working with leading software company looking to add a Corporate Development Associate to their growing team. You will have the opportunity to work directly with the CFO and CEO and help drive strategic decision making through organic and inorganic growth. Corporate Development Associate will be responsible for: Conducting the financial analysis and modeling of acquisitions Conducting due diligence on potential acquisitions Conduct research on target companies, industries, and markets Assisting in the execution of M&A transactions, such as financial modeling, valuation, comparable and relative value analysis. Identify and research potential acquisition opportunities through market analysis and interactions with business partners Corporate Development Associate should have the following qualifications: 3-5 years of experience of M&A within Corporate Development with previous Investment Banking experience Tech experience required M&A deal experience and knowledge Bachelors in Finance, Economics, Business or related fields. If you are interested in the Corporate Development Associate role, then please don't wait to apply.

Negotiable

New York

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Investment Banking Analyst 2

Title: Investment Banking Analyst Company Summary: We are working with a top tier Investment Banking team in the Denver, CO area looking to add an Investment Banking Analyst to their growing Healthcare M&A team. You will have the opportunity to support end-to-end deal execution process, continue to gain extensive M&A experience as well as gain direct client facing experience with a lean deal team. The Investment Banking Analyst will be responsible for: Preparing and delivering presentations throughout the deal execution period. Assist in the coordination of internal and external resources in the due diligence process for M&A transactions. Assisting in the execution of M&A transactions, mostly on buy-side M&A. Conducting extensive industry, market, and company-specific research. Building and maintaining client relations with established and prospective clients. The Investment Banking Analyst should have the following qualifications: 1+ years within Investment Banking. Bachelors in Finance, Economics, Business or related fields. Strong closed M&A deal experience. If you are interested in the Investment Banking Analyst role, then please don't wait to apply. Email me over a copy of your resume and we can schedule a time to chat.

Up to US$100000 per year

Denver

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Investment Banking News & Insights

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Compensation Trends in the Investment Banking Industry

Investment banking is a dynamic and highly competitive industry that plays a crucial role in global financial markets. Professionals in this field are responsible for providing financial advisory services, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, and raising capital for corporations, governments, and other entities. With the ever-evolving nature of the industry, it is important to stay informed about the latest compensation trends to attract and retain top talent. As a global talent partner, we explore current compensation trends and shed light on key factors shaping the hiring landscape to help you navigate through in-demand talent shortages. Download our comprehensive Global Investment Banking Salary Guide to gain valuable insights into industry benchmarks and compensation packages.The escalating demand for emerging skillsAs the investment banking industry adapts to rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics, there is a growing demand for professionals with emerging skills. The rise of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics has created a need for individuals who possess expertise in these areas. Investment banks are willing to offer attractive compensation packages to attract individuals who can leverage these skills to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.The integral role of ED&IED&I have become critical factors in shaping compensation trends in the investment banking industry. Companies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of having a diverse workforce that encompasses individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. By fostering an inclusive environment, investment banks can unlock innovation, improve decision-making processes, and enhance their reputation.In recent years, efforts to increase ED&I in investment banking have gained momentum. This includes initiatives to attract new talent by eliminating unconscious biases in job descriptions, retaining diverse talent, and identifying promotion processes to ensure pay equity. Investment banks that prioritize diversity and inclusion are often viewed more favorably by professionals, and they may offer competitive compensation packages to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Embracing flexibility in compensation packagesFlexible compensation packages has become an essential aspect of attracting and retaining talent in the investment banking industry. Traditional compensation structures focused primarily on fixed salaries and year-end bonuses. However, as work-life balance and personal priorities gain prominence, professionals are seeking more flexibility in their compensation arrangements.Investment banks are responding to this trend by offering a variety of flexible compensation options. These may include the ability to customize the allocation of bonuses, deferred compensation plans, stock options, and other long-term incentives. Additionally, some firms are providing benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and sabbatical leaves to accommodate employees' personal needs.To explore how these innovative compensation packages are revolutionizing the industry, it's essential to download the Selby Jennings Future of Flexible Working report. Gain access to cutting-edge information, statistics, and best practices that will equip you with the knowledge needed to excel in attracting, retaining, and nurturing top talent.The shift towards performance-based compensationPerformance-based compensation has gained significant traction in the investment banking industry. This approach links a significant portion of an employee's compensation to individual and firm-wide performance metrics. By aligning compensation with performance, investment banks aim to motivate employees to achieve their best and drive overall business success.Performance-based compensation often includes a mix of short-term incentives, such as annual bonuses, and long-term incentives, such as restricted stock units and performance shares. These incentives are tied to specific targets, such as revenue generation, profitability, client satisfaction, and risk management. Investment banks closely track and evaluate performance to determine bonus payouts and promotions, creating a meritocratic culture that rewards high achievers.To also explore the hiring strategies in the investment banking landscape, view here.Seize the opportunity – get in touch nowLooking to hire top talent and stay ahead? By partnering with us, you gain access to our extensive network of highly skilled candidates who possess the emerging skills and expertise needed to thrive in today's investment banking landscape. We stay abreast of the latest compensation trends and industry developments, ensuring that we provide you with tailored solutions that align with your organization's goals and objectives.Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means we can help you build a team that brings a variety of perspectives, fostering innovation and driving superior results. Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage our expertise and industry knowledge to attract and retain top talent. Request a call back from our experienced consultants today and let us help you remain competitive in the investment banking market. Together, we can create a winning team that propels your organization to new heights of success.

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Investment banking briefing: economic outlook & talent market in focus

Looking into the future of investment banking, what are the talent trends shaping the global financial arena?Despite a backdrop of post-pandemic volatility and economic uncertainty in 2021, the global investment banking sector is poised on a slow but steady growth trajectory, forecasted to slowdown to 3.8% by 2023. While many uncertainties remain, the overall economic outlook points to a consistent trend, albeit regionally uneven. According to the IMF October 2021 fiscal monitor report, the USA witnessed a short-lived hit to its economy, with output already reaching pre-pandemic levels in Q1 of 2021. A closer look at Europe, in particular Germany, indicates a renewed fall in the fourth quarter of last year, but in China, the region went into sharp decline and came out earlier.Even after accounting for regional differences, the picture ahead for the global economy suggests strong recovery. In Deloitte’s recent survey of 400 banking and capital market professionals, 88% of respondents anticipate banks’ top-line revenue to advance this year. But, to continue this path to economic prosperity and be well-positioned to overcome the global challenges ahead, the sector requires a strong pipeline of industry-leading talent. Therefore, having unique access to the trends in the workforce might be the best strategic advantage for firms.Also explore the compensation trends in the investment banking industry.Read on to discover some of the key talent factors and current trends in investment banking.Investment banking talent movement & managementAcross the board, many investment banks have been recruiting in earnest, perhaps indicative of the need to play catch up from 2020. When analyzing the talent movements at the global investment banks, many were willing to switch up careers quicker and further leverage their position in a candidate-driven market. With fees at an all-time high and banks accelerating their hiring endeavors, the M&A space was hot at the Associate and VP level.At Selby Jennings, we have also observed a widespread growth trend within the banks to acquire smaller firms and entire teams. While this strategy is stipulated to reduce costs and strengthen cash flow, it is also a risky investment in terms of capital and talent, as cultural conflicts are likely to incur.In the USA specifically, most banks exceeded their 2020 total fee revenues by April-May 2021. During this time, several banks began to amplify base salaries by $10-$25k – causing a rippling impact across the industry with most firms promptly matching their salary scales. If this wasn’t enough, banks of every size opened up their wallets and offered one-off bonuses in April; a trend that continued into the summer.Glancing across the waters to Europe, a backlog of hiring from 2020 meant that banks made haste to fill vacancies last year. Interestingly, for Europe, it isn’t common practice to bring professionals in post-MBA like the USA, so with smaller hiring happening across teams, training the workforce and maintaining substantial growth of the talent pool was imperative. In Hong Kong and China, hiring activity from funds has resulted in banks replacing talent poached from the buy side. On the back of stringent Covid-19 restrictions, which prohibited inbound travel for expats, specialist investment bankers that remained were a hot commodity. However, with restrictions easing this year, we predict this trend to be reversed and therefore level the playing field for talent.Click here to browse current investment banking vacancies available here at Selby Jennings. Also, find out more about employee retention and how we reduce turnover in investment management.Why choose us?Selby Jennings is your trusted talent partner for expert insights and hiring solutions in the fast-paced world of investment banking. Our team of experienced consultants has a deep understanding of the global economic landscape and the talent market trends shaping the industry. With our finger on the pulse of the latest developments, we deliver informed advice and bespoke recruitment strategies tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking to hire top talent or take your career to the next level, Selby Jennings offers unparalleled support and expertise to help you achieve your goals. Simply request a call back or submit a vacancy today to get started.At Selby Jennings, we’re always on the pulse of the latest trends impacting the sector, meaning your investment banking hiring process is in safe hands. Don’t miss our newest guide, The Investment Banking Briefing, for an introspective analysis on the current industry and exclusive talent insights from our survey results.

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Recruitment strategies in an ever-changing investment banking landscape

The investment banking sector has never been more competitive. From digital disruptions, new fintech incumbents, to rising inflationary pressures, these are some of the driving factors creating many challenges – as well as opportunities – for firms.However, to embrace new realities and reap the rewards, organizations will need an agile talent strategy. That’s why understanding the motivations of talent and their movements within the industry is crucial in competitive markets. In this blog, as we look to the future of investment banking and challenges the sector faces, we explore some of the major hiring trends that firms should know about.To view what type of Corporate & Investment Banking vacancies we have available, click here.New world of workingA significant factor confronting banking leaders is the challenge of strategically re-evaluating the modern workplace. Employers have had to make substantial inroads to develop a nimble and competitive operating model that delivers value-add to employees and customers alike. What’s more, with the surge in popularity of flexible working, many firms could lose out on business-critical talent if they cease to offer this structure. Although the flexible working paradigm is forecasted to negate the idea of ‘in-person collaboration’, this business model actually creates more opportunities for candidates to interview and get hired because location is no longer a limitation.Most bankers operated remotely in the first quarter of 2021. However, with the roll-out of regional vaccine campaigns, banks began to dangle the thread of a return to the office on a full-time or hybrid basis. Across the US, a bank-wide trend saw many firms open up discussions about an expectation for employees to be in the office post-July 4th. Subsequently, the end of summer marked the end of 100% working from home arrangements. At Selby Jennings, we are advising our clients to keep an open mind with flexible working, as this should certainly be considered a competitive strategy to attract and retain talent.The sustainable imperative for investment banksThe transition to a low-carbon economy is on the frontier for today’s investment banks. Efforts to combat sustainability has led to exponential growth in ESG debt, perhaps underpinned by investors propelling ESG investments into the market. The increasing focus on ESG debt allows firms to tap into new pools of capital and garner surplus returns, but more capital raising from the public and private sectors will be needed if targets are to be met.The movement towards sustainable banking and investing is important to help eliminate ‘greenwashing’, but international compliance and better reporting standards are needed. Whilst sustainability commitments are becoming more commonplace, having strong ESG credentials might be your edge to attract and retain talent. After all, when we surveyed our community of sector professionals, 48% of respondents reported that ESG is important when looking for a new role. Our findings could indicate that a major paradigm shift amongst investment banking professionals has begun – with many placing environmental policies at the crux of their career-defining next steps. We predict global ESG concerns to continue shaping the future of finance and be a compelling force for companies to drive employee and customer loyalty.Industries of focusThe investment banking landscape is heating up, but what are the key verticals that took center stage across the hiring front? Fintech’s exist on the precipice of innovation, which is possibly why they’re so successful at luring in business-critical talent. Despite valuations being a little off kilter, more fintech’s and technology-driven bankers entering this space is a certainty due to the potential for tech M&A’s and IPOs. Hiring activity across technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) and power, utilities, and infrastructure (PUI) is also a necessity to plug the gaps.The healthcare sector is another area of increasing focus, perhaps because its largely immune to post-pandemic disruptions. With a particular emphasis on sustainability, renewables are also expected to see an acceleration in hiring across the board. In particular, ESG analysts along with sales personnel are a hot commodity in the market. For those considering talent management in these growing environments, we advise to quickly get your teams in place to be well equipped to ride out whatever challenges lie ahead.Interested in learning more about the recent developments in investment banking? Download our newest guide, The Investment Banking Briefing, for an introspective analysis on the investment banking industry trends and exclusive talent insights from our survey results.

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The Investment Banking Briefing

Investment bankers are always highly sought after, and there is no doubt the investment banking jobs market is going from strength to strength.Many professionals are curious about whether their salaries and bonuses match their peers, which is why Selby Jennings has produced the Investment Banking Briefing.Download ReportDiscover our latest salary & bonus guidance in the report, which also includes exclusive survey results from investment banking professionals across the USA on the state of the industry, and how they feel about current job opportunities, as well as insights into:The global economy (with dedicated sections for the USA, Europe & APAC)Monetary and non-monetary talent retention strategiesBooming sectors to know aboutSustainable finance & ED&I initiativesThe new world of working post-pandemicWithout a strong talent pipeline, banks could be at the mercy of having to turn away work, which is why it has never been more important to have the right talent, and be able to attract the talent you need in investment banking.Whether you are trying to get the right workforce in place for the years ahead, or looking for a role yourself, the Investment Banking Briefing covers the industry in extensive detail so you know where investment banking is going in the near future, as firms grapple to stay competitive to attract and retain talent.If you're an investment banking professional, click here to explore our open investment banking roles.

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Investment Banking Market Update

We are currently in a candidate driven market – bankers are in higher demand than ever before, but with intense competition and a shrinking candidate pool, banks are accelerating efforts to re-think their approach to retention and recruitment in order to attract and retain key talent. The landscape of investment banking jobs is feverish; we have witnessed a profound uptick in hiring and the war for talent has certainly begun.To find out what Corporate & Investment Banking vacancies we have available at Selby Jennings, click here.Our new Market Update will cover topics around Investment Banking recruitment trends, including:The 2021 MarketNavigating Growth in Banking: High-Demand for BankersImpact & Market ReactionCompensation trendsComplete the form below to download the full "Investment Banking Market Update".

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Investment Banking Hiring Trends – This Year’s Impact on Hiring in 2021

It’s no question that the events of 2020 have significantly impacted the investment banking hiring landscape throughout the year. No one could have predicted Covid-19 and the work-from-home environment that we’ve learned to accommodate to over the past few months, and the effects are sure to leave a lasting impact within the investment banking market. We’ve been compiling notes and data related to thehiring trends that we’ve seen this year and those that we expect for 2021. To view the investment banking vacancies we have available, click here.When Covid-19 first hit the USA, M&A came to almost a complete halt due to the uncertainty surrounding the virus and how it would impact the financial market. Teams were also forced to adapt to a new work environment as the stay-at-home orders required individuals to work remotely. Even after adjusting to the new environment, M&A activity was still slow resulting in industry-wide downsizing which seemed to impact the middle-market and bulge bracket banks more significantly. For energy bankers, the Covid-19 outbreak coincided with a struggling oil & gas market which led to some banks eliminating their energy teams entirely if not able to pivot into new products like restructuring or new verticals like renewables. Luckily, the banking industry overall is making a comeback and M&A activity is starting to pick back up. Hiring was done on mostly an as-needed basis apart from senior hires where we saw more growth. The Selby Jennings team saw many banks looking to add revenue generators in preparation for the 2021 year. Still, some growth hires have happened at more junior levels as there is an influx of strong talent due to the downsizing. With the Covid-19 cases rising again in the fall and the USA election occurring, hiring stayed steady rather than peaking in Q4 like some expected it would. One trend that we’ve noticed as a result of Covid-19, is the spreading out of bankers into second-tier cities that were not previously hotspots for investment banking offices.Individuals are relocating and banks are looking to establish offices in smaller citiesincluding Detroit, Nashville, Denver, and Phoenix, just to name a few. We’ve also noted more flexibility when it comes to remote work, especially for senior-level positions, as teams have proven to be just as successful in this remote environment. As we look forward to 2021, we anticipate an active Q1 in terms of hiring as firms will be looking to lock in their teams as soon as possible to tackle the busy year ahead. With an optimistic outlook for M&A activity over the next year, now is a great time to reassess your teams and determine where you want to be and who you’ll need on your team in order to get you there. If you are looking to secure talent for your team in this rapidly growing market, get in touch with the Selby Jennings team today or submit your vacancy.

corporate-and-investment-banking

Trends in Investment Banking in 2019

Because of 2018’s success in the investment banking market — an overall bullish market and record-high transactions and deals — there seems to be a significant shortage for top quality talent. As the unemployment rate keeps hovering at 3.8%, 2019 is shaping up to be a time where the struggle for talent will continue to be a priority for the entire financial sector. Pursuing a More Balanced Life Trends show analysts and associates are leaving the banking industry in significant numbers, which is making it difficult to retain and laterally recruit talent. In fact, there’s been a steady rise in analysts leaving before their associate promotion and even post-MBA associates seeking exit opportunities — some as early as six months into their first year. "One main trend we have noticed toward the end of last year that’s consistent with the beginning of this year is that there is a shortage of talent in this candidate-driven market,” says Gary McCool, head of east coast Investment Banking recruitment for Selby Jennings. “Now more than in the past we’ve seen candidates from smaller boutique or middle-market platforms move up-market to larger financial institutions.” Some of the more common reasons candidates leave the industry are due to the long hours, work environment and work/life balance. Many also believe it’s better to cross over into buy side and corporate development roles. From a combination of these factors, McCool has noticed that smaller firms are attempting to promote a better work culture, including offering increased flexibility and better compensation to incentivize talent to stay put. Increased Compensation Since many investment banks are competing over the same candidates, trends show that candidates are earning higher salaries. We have noticed a larger number of counter offers last year because candidates have been leveraging their job offers from banks. It’s become extremely difficult to replace hires within a short time frame on top of hiring someone under normal circumstances. Trends from 2018 show total compensation is as high as 10%-20% more than average. In addition, at some platforms, the base pay for analysts has been raised to be as much as $115,000. Elite boutique platforms have begun to take notice of this as well. Changes in Visa Policies The last year also saw changes in visa policies. Investment banking attracts qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and many come overseas to study in the U.S. Many investment banks hold off on hiring candidates because of the uncertainty of visa requirements. Both the firm and candidate will need to restart a new hiring process if visa application petitions do not get approved. Companies hiring this with H-1B or TN visas will find it difficult to onboard a new candidate, leading to an increased struggle to find top talent. Keep Up With Competition As the economy and the investment banking industry continues to be strong, the market will only be more competitive. Securing visas are still up in the air, although there’s hope that the current suspension will be reviewed and possibly rescinded by early 2019. Considering the strong need for talent, banks will need to offer significant compensation packages and promote flexibilit and a better work culture to attract top candidates. If you are looking for new opportunities in investment banking, or are hoping to secure top talent in this competitive landscape, get in touch with the team at Selby Jennings today. ---------------------About UsSelby Jennings is a leading specialist recruitment agency for banking and financial services. For more than 15 years, we have given clients and candidates peace of mind that the recruitment process is in expert hands. Our continual investment in best-in-class technologies and consultant training enables us to recruit with speed, precision and accuracy. Today, Selby Jennings provides contingency and retained search recruitment across 11 offices in 6 countries. Contact us to find out how Selby Jennings can help you.

corporate-and-investment-banking

The Growth of Quants in Investment Banks

Picture an investment bank drawn in a ‘Where’s Waldo?’ style. You’ve got traders, finance, the legal team and management; human resources and an IT team hammering away at their keyboards. Where would you expect to find quantitative analysts (quants)?Ten years ago, quants would have been tucked away on trading desks, inputting data into Excel spreadsheets and working through it manually to uncover patterns and statistics. Their findings would help traders to confirm the right price and most promising investment options.Skip forwards a decade and the role of the quant has changed substantially. For the most part, they are now incorporated into risk management teams, instead of being on a trading desk. There are more of them, they are a more diverse group and they use new tools to carry out different tasks. They are in considerable demand and much valued by financial organizations. What brought about this change?Why are there more quants?The last decade has seen a breath-taking speed of technological development. Analytic software combined with increased opportunities to gather data have led to Big Data: more information, collected more quickly. There are sophisticated tools to integrate, sort and process this data into state-of-the-art models.Electronic modeling now means that trading can be carried out by computers, based on an algorithm calculation of the most favorable moment to buy and sell. If algorithms are often the brawn behind hedge funds, investment banks, asset management services and private equity firms, quants are the brains: they program the algorithms that make the system work.Quants are also used more and more in the business of risk, helping to calculate probabilities and statistics using advanced modeling. This enables risk management teams to keep on the right side of an increasing volume of laws and procedures needed to manage risks appropriately.There are now many more quants employed in this reformulated role, shifting from revenue generation to risk management. Banks require quants for a range of functions including the valuation aspects of derivatives and pricing.A more diverse quant workforceAnother notable change in the last decade is the increasing diversity of the quant workforce. Although this STEM-related field used to be dominated by men from a similar background, intake is now much broader and includes many women. Female quants talent is much in demand by banks seeking to improve the diversity of their teams.As with other STEM areas, fewer women studying related subjects such as Math and Physics means this female talent is hard to find. When female quants are recruited to firms, employers have an additional incentive to keep them motivated and committed to the role, in an effort to retain this highly sought after talent.To explore woman in quants, check out our blog here.The use of models and tools: a systematic or discretionary approach?The development of algorithms, machine learning and related tools has transformed the nature of quantitative analysis. Quants need to ensure that data is interpreted and presented in the best possible way, but there is very little inputting and processing done through human labor any more.This has led to a divergence of opinion in the best way to approach investment decisions. As Leda Braga, a high-flying quant known as the ‘Queen of Quants’ has said, trading is now dominated by two approaches to decision-making: systematic and discretionary.A discretionary approach to trading is based on the trader’s own thought processes and decision-making skills. Systematic trading uses technology to indicate the best investment strategies, using algorithms to process reams of data. Quants are essential to the systematic approach, which is gaining in popularity.However, the discretionary approach is still very common, particularly because people tend to respond more vehemently to an error made by an algorithm than an error made by a human. As Braga observes: “We scrutinize the algos with a lot less tolerance than we scrutinize human action.”To also explore quantitative analytics soft skills, check out our blog here.What does it take to be a good quant?To be successful as a quant, strong analytical skills are a must. Most professionals have advanced computer programming abilities, typically using SQL for database management and perhaps an object-oriented language such as Python or R to clean, sort and process data.Quants usually have advanced degrees in a STEM subject, such as computer science, mathematics or physics. A PhD in one of these subjects is common. There is also increasing popularity of financial engineering master’s degrees such as financial engineering or quantitative/mathematical finance.Could your team benefit from having a quant on board? Email info@selbyjennings.com to learn more about what they could do for your business. To also find out how to write a quantitative job description, read our blog here.------------About UsSelby Jennings is a leading specialist recruitment agency for banking and financial services. For more than 15 years, we have given clients and candidates peace of mind that the recruitment process is in expert hands. Our continual investment in best-in-class technologies and consultant training enables us to recruit with speed, precision and accuracy. Today, Selby Jennings provides contingency and retained search recruitment across 11 offices in 6 countries. Contact us to find out how Selby Jennings can help you.

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