Just as individuals save towards their pensions seeking a return on their investment to fund their retirement, the same is true of large corporations. Major banks and financial services companies offer investment services. There are also thousands of qualified independent financial advisors throughout the country and online investment platforms for individuals who may wish to manage their own assets.
As an investment banker your clients could include institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, private equity funds, hedge funds, asset managers, governments, large corporations or high net worth individuals. Investment banks do not take deposits but charge a fee for their professional services. The “buy” and “sell” side of investment banking work in tandem to help clients maximise their investment returns.
Your role would involve advising clients who wish to raise capital or make an investment. On the one hand a company may need to raise funds to grow their business or go public by listing on the stock exchange, known as an IPO. On the other side a client may wish to build an investment portfolio and this might include shares in the newly listed company. An integral part of your role would be researching and keeping up to date with the stock market to optimise the financial returns on your client's investments.
Other aspects of your role would include advising clients on complex financial transactions such as the best tools to raise capital, preparing confidential transaction documents, providing financial advice on new investment opportunities and building financial models to help your clients to make important decisions such as during company mergers and acquisitions.
Most roles require a degree level qualification although a business or finance degree is not a prerequisite and candidates are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines. Graduate recruitment schemes and completing a summer internship in a financial services company are another route to a career in this sector.
With technological innovations driving the way we bank, this is a fast-moving global sector that requires commercial awareness and excellent analytical, numerical skills and IT skills. You will be responsible for building effective long term business partnerships with your clients to enable both their business and the bank to grow. This will involve regular meetings and presentation of financial information, so first-rate interpersonal and communication skills are required. A foreign language may be an advantage if working for an international financial services organisation.
Career opportunities include senior leadership and managerial roles, management consultancy, specialising in particular marketplaces e.g. technology, healthcare etc. compliance, risk, investment analyst, financial advisor, fund manager, stockbroker, trader, wealth managers, treasury professionals, commercial banking and financial technology.