Banking is a field that offers many opportunities for professional growth, and it can be a financially rewarding and fulfilling career path. The high salaries and generous bonuses that come with the job are just some of the many benefits of working in the banking industry.
Additionally, banks are known to offer their employees a range of other benefits, such as health and wellness programs, flexible schedules, and opportunities for continued education and training.
To help individuals interested in pursuing a career in banking identify the best banks to work for. These surveys gather feedback on various factors, including the bank’s reputation, culture, compensation, work-life balance, and training opportunities.
If you’re considering a career in banking, it’s important to do your research and find a bank that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Here is the list of Top 20 banks to work for:
20. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.
Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. is a highly respected investment bank in the energy sector. Based in Houston, it offers advisory services in sales and trading, mergers and acquisitions, and research to top companies in the industry. The bank prides itself on its comprehensive wellness program, which aims to support its employees in every aspect of their lives. The program includes support for childcare, counseling, meditation, and nutrition, among others.
Overall, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. is a company that not only offers top-notch advisory services in the energy sector but also prioritizes the well-being of its employees and fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment.
19. Bank of America Corp.
Bank of America (BofA) is a well-known and respected American multinational investment bank and financial services company that offers a wide range of products and services to clients across the globe. The bank has a reputation for being socially responsible and has implemented numerous initiatives to support underrepresented groups and minorities. For example, BofA has established several programs to promote diversity and inclusion, such as its Women’s Empowerment Series and its Black Executive Leadership Council. BofA is ranked as the ninth most prestigious bank, and its internship program is particularly well-regarded by respondents who appreciate the opportunity to work on live deals and receive mentorship from experienced professionals.
18. JP Morgan
JP Morgan is a financial services company that provides investment banking services as well as other financial products and services. It is a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which is the largest bank in the world by market capitalization. The investment banking division of JP Morgan is known for its exceptional performance on Wall Street and is considered one of the most prestigious investment banks in the world. JP Morgan is ranked third in prestige among investment banks. In addition to its prestige, JP Morgan is known for its strong commitment to employee development. The bank offers a wide range of training programs, mentorships, and opportunities for relocation and job transfer within the company. These programs are designed to help employees grow and develop their skills over time, so they can take on new challenges and advance their careers within the company.
17. Goldman Sachs & Co.
Goldman Sachs & Co. is a highly esteemed financial institution that boasts a diverse clientele, serving everyone from individuals to government entities. The firm is a leader in investment banking, securities, and investment management services. Although Goldman has been involved in certain cultural controversies in recent years, according to survey respondents, the institution provides comprehensive training to interns and junior staff, as well as highly competitive compensation packages. In fact, many junior employees have been known to start their careers at Goldman Sachs and stay with the company for many years. Moreover, Goldman has been making significant strides in DEI initiatives. In fact, survey participants have even named Goldman as the most progressive bank on Wall Street.
16. Loop Capital Markets
Loop Capital Markets is an investment bank that has been in operation for over 20 years. The bank offers a wide variety of services to corporate, governmental, and institutional clients, including underwriting, trading, and research services. The bank’s reputation for diversity is well-known. This diversity is reflected in the bank’s workforce, which is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This sense of community and camaraderie is fostered by the bank’s management, who prioritize open communication and collaboration.
15. DC Advisory
DC Advisory is a leading global investment bank specializing in international transactions. With its main office in Chicago, the company has established a reputation for providing excellent work-life balance and fostering a collaborative culture that empowers interns and junior banking professionals to take on significant responsibilities. The company is committed to providing a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and learning. Moreover, DC Advisory’s commitment to diversity and inclusion sets it apart from other investment banks. The company values a diverse workforce and strives to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the company’s success.
14. BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a well-established financial institution that operates as a subsidiary of the Canadian Bank of Montreal. The company provides an extensive range of financial services to its clients, including governments, corporations, and institutions. In particular, BMO Capital Markets is known for offering its interns and junior staff a lot of responsibility, which is a great way for them to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the field.
Moreover, BMO Capital Markets has a reputation for promoting internal mobility, which means that employees are encouraged to take on new challenges and pursue opportunities for career growth within the company.
13. Solomon Partners
Solomon Partners is a reputable investment bank located on Wall Street that specializes in many different industries, such as healthcare, tech, media, and retail. The bank’s work with well-known companies such as Brooks Brothers, Under Armour, and Netflix. Additionally, the bank has established a strong reputation for its civic engagement and culture of acceptance. The senior staff members of Solomon Partners show respect towards the work-life balance of the junior staff, which has resulted in a positive work environment. Furthermore, the bank is actively seeking more diverse candidates to join its team, which demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity. Solomon Partners is ranked as the second-best banking firm for culture and the third-best firm for wellness. Overall, Solomon Partners has built a strong foundation in the investment banking industry and continues to prioritize the well-being and happiness of its employees.
12. Harris Williams
Harris Williams is a premier middle-market investment bank that provides mergers and acquisitions advisory services to clients. The bank has a strong presence in Virginia and operates multiple offices throughout the US, London and Frankfurt. Harris Williams is committed to providing its clients with the best possible advice on how to identify growth opportunities and increase their market value. The firm’s interns are highly regarded in the industry and are known to receive practical experience working on live deals, which is a valuable asset for anyone looking to build a career in investment banking. In addition, the firm has a strong reputation for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is always a plus.
Overall, Harris Williams is a great place to work for those who are looking to build a career in investment banking. With its strong reputation, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a range of exciting projects, the firm offers ample opportunities for growth and development.
11. Houlihan Lokey
Houlihan Lokey, founded in 1972, is an investment bank headquartered in Los Angeles, California. With over 2,600 employees located in offices worldwide, the company is committed to providing its clients with exceptional service in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Financial Restructuring, and Valuation.
According to the survey, Houlihan Lokey also provides its interns with strong training opportunities and hands-on experience, which can be invaluable for those who are just starting their careers.
Lastly, it is worth noting that Houlihan Lokey is ranked as the 10th best bank for international opportunities and quality of work. This means that employees who are interested in working abroad or developing their skills in a global context may find this firm particularly appealing.
10. Greenhill & Co.
Greenhill & Co. is a global investment bank, founded by Robert F. Greenhill, a former president of Morgan Stanley, in 1996. With around 360 employees, the bank specializes in providing advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, as well as capital raising. The bank’s offices are located in major cities around the world, including New York, London, and Tokyo.
According to the latest rankings, a career resource website, Greenhill is considered one of the top five banks in terms of working hours and international opportunities. Respondents who took part in the survey also praised the company’s strong culture, where employees are not expected to work long hours during vacations or weekends.
9. William Blair
William Blair is a well-established investment bank that was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Chicago. The firm has grown significantly over the years and currently offers a wide range of advisory services for financing and growth to clients that range from entrepreneurs to large corporations. William Blair takes a collaborative approach to its work, with senior and junior bankers working together to provide clients with the best possible advice and service.
Despite its size and reputation, William Blair is committed to providing valuable learning experiences to its interns. In fact William Blair interns are frequently exposed to live deals and gain practical experience that can be invaluable in their future careers. Additionally, William Blair offers mentorship opportunities to help interns develop their skills and prepare for their future careers.
8. Guggenheim Securities
Guggenheim Partners is a global financial institution headquartered in New York City. The company has over 2,000 employees working across different divisions. One of its divisions, Guggenheim Securities, provides advisory services to a variety of high-profile clients such as Verizon, Blackstone, IBM, and Paramount. The company’s global presence and extensive experience in the industry enable it to provide clients with a wide range of financial services and solutions.
Guggenheim is a top three bank for both ESG practices and business outlook. Respondents also mention that the company has a generous compensation and benefit scheme, which is a major draw for potential employees. However, it is important to note that work/life balance may be challenging for some employees due to the company’s fast-paced environment and demanding workload. Furthermore, the company has an increasing focus on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), which is highlighted by the respondents.
7. Perella Weinberg Partners
Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP) is a well-known investment bank with a solid reputation in the industry. The firm has a wide range of services, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and growth capital, which are tailored to meet the needs of its clients. PWP has been a publicly listed company since 2006 and has been growing steadily ever since, with approximately 600 employees working at its headquarters in New York and other offices located in Europe and the United States.
One of the reasons why PWP is ranked among the top five firms for both informal and formal training is its commitment to providing employees with ongoing training and development opportunities. Additionally, the firm has been making significant efforts in recruitment aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which has been appreciated by survey respondents.
However, it is important to note that working hours can be long at PWP, and initiatives for work-life balance depend on individual managers. Nonetheless, the firm offers a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages employees to work together to achieve their goals.
6. PJT Partners
PJT Partners is a financial institution that operates globally with its headquarters in the US, and branches in London, Paris, and Frankfurt. The company is known for its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) division, which is highly regarded in the industry. Junior bankers have the opportunity to grow and develop their skills through the bank’s mentorship programs, which are designed to ensure their continued success. Additionally, PJT has a notable internship program that has been praised for its effectiveness in preparing interns for their careers. While the work hours can be long, PJT places a high priority on wellness and work-life balance, ensuring that employees are well taken care of. PJT is recognized as one of the top five banks for women and for their hiring processes, and has been ranked as one of the world’s best banks to work for.
5. Lazard
Lazard is one of the most prestigious investment banking firms in the world, boasting over 40 offices spanning the globe and employing around 3,300 talented professionals. The firm is renowned for its expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions and has two core divisions, Asset Advisory and Asset Management, that provide unparalleled financial services to clients.
It is worth noting that Lazard’s internship program is not only highly regarded but also incredibly competitive. The program offers interns the opportunity to have direct access to clients, senior bankers, and executives at the firm, giving them a unique and valuable experience.
Lazard takes pride in its hybrid work model, which enables its employees to work both remotely and in-person. This approach allows for more flexibility and work-life balance for junior employees, who are not expected to work during vacation time. It is no wonder that Lazard is ranked among the top five best banks to work for.
4. Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is a globally renowned and highly reputable investment bank that is considered to be one of the best in the world. The company prides itself on its high standards of customer service and its ability to deliver results that exceed expectations. It has a workforce of over 70,000 employees who are divided into three main divisions: wealth management, investment management, and institutional securities. These divisions work together seamlessly to provide comprehensive financial solutions to clients.
Morgan Stanley is known for its involvement in many large and complex deals in the finance industry, which is a testament to its strong reputation and expertise in the field. Although it is currently ranked fourth overall, it is among the top five banks for women, which is a reflection of the company’s positive culture and growing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This is evident in the company’s initiatives to promote work-life balance, such as its expanded parental leave policy and flexible working arrangements. Most employees work on a 3/2 schedule, which allows them to work three days in the office and two days from home.
Furthermore, Morgan Stanley is committed to providing its employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. The company offers a range of training and development programs that are designed to help employees acquire new skills and knowledge.
3. Moelis & Company
Moelis & Company is a financial advisory firm with a global presence, boasting offices across the world and approximately 1,000 employees. The firm provides financial advisory services to a wide range of clients, including governments and top corporations, and prides itself on offering exceptional advice and expertise to its clients. According to staff members, Moelis & Company is an excellent place to work, offering a range of career development opportunities to its junior employees, including classroom-based learning, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
In addition to its commitment to developing its employees, Moelis & Company offers above-average compensation packages to its staff and a range of work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible working arrangements and generous vacation time. In recognition of its commitment to its employees and high-quality work, ranking it as the third best bank to work for overall, the second best company for quality of work, and the best for relationships with managers. Overall, Moelis & Company is a top-tier financial advisory firm that is committed to providing outstanding service to its clients and fostering a supportive and engaging workplace culture for its employees.
2. Centerview
Centerview, a highly respected mergers and acquisitions specialist firm with offices in major cities across the globe, has been named the best bank to work for, a prestigious ranking organization. This recognition is not surprising given that the company offers many attractive features and benefits to its employees.
For example, Centerview provides interns with meaningful responsibilities early on and offers development opportunities to junior staff. The firm also boasts unique perks such as an in-office barista and gym, free breakfast and lunch, and a range of wellness initiatives. These benefits help foster a positive and healthy work environment that employees can appreciate.
Another noteworthy aspect of Centerview is its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm has made significant progress in this area, with around 50% of recent hiring cohorts being women. This focus on diversity is commendable and helps create a more inclusive workplace culture.
While long hours may be necessary at times, Centerview’s management recognizes the importance of its employees’ time and makes a concerted effort to minimize wasted work and allow staff members to attend important events. This demonstrates the firm’s respect for its employees and their personal lives.
Of course, work-life balance can be challenging in any industry, and Centerview is no exception. However, the firm is committed to practicing what it preaches and actively manages teams to ensure that employees can have a fulfilling personal and professional life. This approach helps foster a strong and loyal workforce that is dedicated to Centerview’s mission and values.
1. Evercore
Evercore is a notable financial advisory firm that provides a range of services to a diverse range of high-profile clients, including AstraZeneca and Refinitiv. The bank is recognized for its expertise in various areas, including mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, sales and trading, and financings. With approximately 2,000 employees spread across the globe, Evercore is renowned for its exceptional formal training programs and extensive career support services, including mentoring. While the firm’s employees are known to work long hours, they also enjoy generous vacation time and strong compensation packages that make up for the workload.
One employee stated that Evercore values work-life balance, encouraging junior employees to take their vacations and disconnect from work. However, this also means that when employees are not on vacation, they tend to work quite hard, and Sundays are frequently spent working. Despite this, the firm’s employees are known for their commitment to delivering high-quality services to clients and for their dedication to upholding Evercore’s reputation as a top financial advisory firm.
