Best Companies in the Investment Banking Industry

Baird (Robert W. Baird & Co.)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Baird reportedly feel a strong sense of pride, citing an ethical and supportive leadership team and a team-focused culture. Staff members suggest the firm offers a thoughtful approach to work-life balance and provides solid benefits and fair compensation. While job security is viewed positively due to its employee-owned model, some feel that opportunities for growth can be dependent on location. The firm is seen as adaptable within its middle-market focus, and its commitment to social responsibility is valued by its people.

Bank of America

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members at Bank of America often point to the comprehensive benefits, especially for family wellness, and the firm’s deep commitment to social responsibility through community investments. Employees report a culture that actively promotes diversity and inclusion, supported by accessible leadership. While work-life balance can be challenging, the firm’s large scale is said to provide a sense of job security and structured opportunities for growth through its formal development programs. The compensation is considered competitive, and the firm is seen as highly innovative.

Barclays

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees report that Barclays fosters a culture that is different from its U.S.-based peers, often emphasizing a better work-life balance through policies like hybrid work. Staff members view the compensation and benefits as competitive within the industry. The firm is recognized for its adaptability, having strategically built up its investment banking arm, which contributes to a sense of job security. Leadership is seen as committed to social responsibility through extensive ESG initiatives, and employees are provided with clear opportunities for growth within its global platform.

Centerview Partners

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees nominate Centerview Partners for what they describe as an unmatched combination of top-tier compensation and a respectful approach to work-life balance. Staff members report that the firm offers excellent benefits and a supportive culture focused on long-term development. The leadership team is said to be highly accessible and deeply committed to social responsibility through community partnerships. Its innovative, "one firm" approach is seen as fostering collaboration, while its strong deal flow provides both job security and significant opportunities for growth.

Citigroup

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Citigroup report a positive and improving company culture, highlighting strong diversity and inclusion initiatives championed by the firm's leadership. Staff members feel supported through comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, and numerous opportunities for growth via formal training programs. The firm is seen as innovative and adaptable, with a clear commitment to social responsibility that resonates with its workforce. While work-life balance is typical for a large bank, overall job security is considered sound.

Evercore

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members at Evercore report a highly inclusive and collaborative culture where junior bankers receive phenomenal training and direct mentorship from senior leaders. Employees say the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits while fostering a supportive environment. Though work-life balance can be demanding due to high-profile deal flow, this is said to provide excellent opportunities for growth and a sense of job security. Leadership is well-regarded, and the firm is seen as innovative and committed to social responsibility through its employee networks.

Goldman Sachs

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Goldman Sachs often express high satisfaction derived from working at a firm they see as a leader in innovation and adaptability. Staff members report that the compensation and benefits packages are highly competitive and that the opportunities for growth are unparalleled, with extensive training and development programs. While the demanding culture can challenge work-life balance, the firm’s stability provides a strong sense of job security. Leadership is viewed as effective, with a clear commitment to social responsibility and diversity.

Guggenheim Securities

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members at Guggenheim Securities report that even junior employees receive significant access to senior leadership and clients, fostering rapid growth and development. The firm is said to offer highly competitive compensation and a culture that, while demanding, provides a good work-life balance for the industry. Employees feel a sense of job security due to the firm's strong deal flow and innovative reputation in key sectors. Leadership is viewed as supportive, and the benefits and commitment to social responsibility are well-regarded by employees.

Harris Williams

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Harris Williams report a collegial and team-oriented culture that provides a strong sense of satisfaction. Staff members say the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits, along with a work-life balance that is respected by leadership. The firm's consistent deal flow in the middle market is said to offer job security and excellent opportunities for growth through hands-on experience. Leadership is viewed as accessible and supportive, and the firm is seen as an adaptable and innovative advisor within its specialized sectors, with a solid commitment to social responsibility.

Houlihan Lokey

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Houlihan Lokey describe an entrepreneurial and supportive culture where they are given significant responsibility early in their careers. Staff members report that leadership promotes a healthy work-life balance and that the firm offers strong benefits and competitive compensation. The firm's market leadership in restructuring and M&A advisory is said to provide job security and varied opportunities for growth. The firm is also seen as innovative in its sectors, with a clear commitment to social responsibility.

Jefferies

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members at Jefferies report a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture that empowers them with significant responsibility and client interaction from an early stage. Employees describe the compensation as competitive and the opportunities for growth as substantial, supported by accessible senior leaders. While the fast-paced environment can make work-life balance demanding, the firm's adaptability and consistent growth are said to provide a strong sense of job security. The firm is also noted for its commitment to social responsibility and diversity.

J.P. Morgan

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at J.P. Morgan report high satisfaction stemming from the firm's stability and extensive opportunities for growth, including internal mobility and strong training programs. Staff members say the firm offers a world-class benefits package and competitive compensation. The culture is described as fast-paced but supported by accessible leadership committed to diversity and social responsibility. The firm's innovative approach and market leadership are said to provide employees with a strong sense of job security and purpose.

Lazard

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff at Lazard report a surprisingly great culture with initiatives that support work-life balance, such as protected weekends and hybrid work options. Employees say the firm provides excellent opportunities for growth through lean deal teams that offer high levels of responsibility and mentorship from senior bankers. The compensation and benefits are viewed as competitive. The firm's long-standing reputation is said to offer job security, while its leadership fosters an innovative environment and a commitment to social responsibility.

Lincoln International

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Lincoln International report a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture that provides a high degree of employee satisfaction. Staff members say the firm offers a good work-life balance for the industry, supported by accessible leadership. The compensation and benefits are considered competitive. The firm's global platform and consistent deal flow in the middle market are said to provide strong job security and significant opportunities for growth. The firm is also viewed as an innovative and adaptable advisor with a clear commitment to its communities.

Moelis & Company

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Moelis & Company report an inclusive and supportive culture where senior leadership is respectful of personal time, fostering a positive work-life balance. Staff members describe the compensation and benefits as highly competitive, with wellness initiatives that are particularly well-regarded. The firm's collaborative environment and strong deal flow are said to provide job security and excellent opportunities for growth through mentorship. The firm is also seen as innovative and committed to social responsibility, with a growing philanthropic program.

Morgan Stanley

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff at Morgan Stanley report a strong sense of pride and satisfaction, citing a supportive company culture and a deep commitment to social responsibility and diversity. Employees say the firm offers exceptional benefits, particularly for family and wellness, alongside competitive compensation. While the environment is fast-paced, the firm provides significant opportunities for growth through structured career development programs. Leadership is highly regarded, and the firm’s innovative spirit and market position are said to provide long-term job security.

Perella Weinberg Partners

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Perella Weinberg Partners report a culture that is collaborative and respectful, contributing to a positive work-life balance for the advisory sector. Staff members say the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits, along with significant opportunities for growth due to high levels of responsibility on important deals. The firm's strong reputation and innovative advisory work are said to provide a sense of job security. Leadership is viewed as accessible and committed to fostering a diverse and socially responsible workplace.

Piper Sandler

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Piper Sandler describe a collegial and entrepreneurial culture that allows for a good work-life balance, with senior bankers who are understanding of personal commitments. Staff members report that the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits, as well as significant opportunities for growth through direct client exposure and mentorship. The firm is seen as adaptable and innovative, with a supportive leadership team and a strong sense of job security due to its expanding platform and a commitment to its communities.

PJT Partners

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff at PJT Partners report a culture where junior bankers are given significant responsibility on high-profile deals and work closely with senior leaders, fostering rapid growth. Employees say the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits. While the work is demanding, the firm's strong performance in restructuring and strategic advisory is said to provide a sense of job security. Leadership is well-regarded, and employees note a recent and significant increase in the firm's commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility.

Raymond James

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Raymond James report a client-focused culture that values integrity and provides a high level of employee satisfaction. Staff members say the firm offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a work-life balance that is better than many industry peers. The firm's stable leadership and consistent growth are said to provide a strong sense of job security and clear opportunities for advancement. The firm is also seen as an adaptable and innovative player with a genuine commitment to social responsibility.

RBC Capital Markets

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff members at RBC Capital Markets report a balanced and supportive culture that offers a better lifestyle than many bulge bracket competitors. Employees say the firm provides competitive compensation and benefits. The firm’s expanding U.S. footprint and strong performance in key sectors are said to provide job security and solid opportunities for growth. Leadership is viewed as effective, and the firm is seen as an innovative player with access to global capital networks and a strong commitment to its communities.

Stephens

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Stephens report a culture rooted in a long-term, relationship-focused approach, which contributes to high employee satisfaction and job security. Staff members say the privately-held firm offers competitive compensation and benefits with a work-life balance that is more manageable than at larger banks. The firm's stable leadership and consistent performance are said to provide clear opportunities for growth. The firm is also seen as an adaptable and trusted advisor in its sectors, with a strong commitment to its clients and communities.

Stifel

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Stifel report an entrepreneurial culture that provides significant opportunities for growth through a variety of business lines and a large U.S. footprint. Staff members say the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits. The firm's strategy of growth through acquisition is seen as a sign of adaptability and contributes to a sense of job security for high performers. Leadership is viewed as accessible, and the firm is considered to have a strong commitment to its clients and the communities where it operates, fostering a sense of pride among employees.

Truist Financial

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Truist report a purpose-driven culture focused on client service and community building, which leads to high employee satisfaction. Staff members say the firm offers comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation. The firm's creation through a merger is seen as a sign of adaptability and innovation, and its large, stable platform is said to provide job security and diverse opportunities for growth. Leadership is viewed as committed to its mission, and the firm's significant investment in social responsibility is a point of pride for employees.

UBS

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff at UBS report a global, meritocratic culture that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employees say the firm offers competitive compensation and benefits, along with a focus on employee well-being. The firm's global scale and diversified business model are said to provide job security and numerous opportunities for growth and international mobility. Leadership is seen as effective in navigating complex markets, and the firm is viewed as an innovative and socially responsible institution that empowers its employees to succeed.

Wells Fargo

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Wells Fargo report that the firm provides stability, long-term career growth, and strong opportunities for internal mobility across its diverse business lines. Staff members say the firm offers competitive benefits and compensation, with a culture that is increasingly focused on innovation and diversity. Despite past challenges, leadership is seen as committed to rebuilding trust and fostering a more positive work environment. This focus on improvement, combined with the firm's scale, is said to offer a sense of job security and a commitment to social responsibility.

William Blair

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at William Blair report an exceptionally positive and collaborative culture where vacation time is respected, contributing to a healthy work-life balance. Staff members describe compensation and benefits as excellent and note that leadership is approachable and invested in employee growth. The firm is seen as innovative and socially responsible, with clear paths to partnership that provide a strong sense of job security and opportunity. The overall environment is said to be supportive and team-oriented, fostering high satisfaction.