Within the financial sector, investment banking delivers specialised services to assist organisations—including corporations and government bodies—in acquiring capital and making major financial decisions, answering the common question: what do investment bankers do. The practice includes three key areas: initial public offerings (IPOs) to sell shares to the public, mergers to unify companies, and financial restructuring. Business growth and economic support are the core values of investment banking.
Who Is an Investment Banker?
An investment banker is a financial professional responsible for advising clients on fundraising, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic financial decisions. They act as intermediaries between entities that need capital and those willing to invest it. Understanding the functions of investment banking requires recognising their role in aligning business goals with financial opportunities.
Key Responsibilities of an Investment Banker
To understand what do investment bankers do, it is important to examine the range of services they provide, from capital raising to advisory functions.
Equity and Debt Financing
Investment bankers help companies get money by selling parts of the company (called stocks) or by borrowing money (through bonds). They help decide how to do it, what price to set and make sure the whole process runs smoothly.
Underwriting and Private Placements
When banks underwrite securities, they agree to buy stocks or bonds first and then try to sell them to others; so if no one buys, the bank takes the loss. In private placements, bankers skip the public market and help a company sell its shares or bonds directly to a small group of chosen investors.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
M&A is a core activity within investment banking. Professionals guide companies through the entire process, including target identification, valuation, due diligence, negotiation and deal structuring. This is a prominent area where what do investment bankers do becomes most evident.
Financial Modeling and Valuation
Investment bankers build financial models to evaluate the worth of companies and transactions. These models incorporate income statements, balance sheets and cash flow data to forecast performance and determine valuation.
Relationship and Client Management
Bankers manage relationships with corporate clients and investors. They understand client objectives and deliver tailored financial strategies, ensuring long-term partnerships.
Curious About What Do Investment Bankers Do
Types of Investment Banking
Different teams within investment banking specialise in specific areas, each contributing uniquely to what do investment bankers do.
Corporate Finance
This division deals with capital structuring, fundraising and advising companies on strategic transactions. It plays a central role in executing mergers, acquisitions and financial reorganisations.
Industry Coverage
Bankers in industry coverage groups focus on specific sectors such as healthcare, technology or energy. Their specialised knowledge enables them to offer relevant financial solutions to clients in their assigned industry.
Capital Markets (ECM & DCM)
Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and Debt Capital Markets (DCM) professionals facilitate the issuance of public and private securities. They collaborate closely with investors to structure offerings that meet market demand.
Required Skills to Succeed as an Investment Banker
To grasp what do investment bankers do, it is essential to understand the skills required to perform effectively in this demanding field.
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Investment bankers analyse vast amounts of financial data to assess opportunities and risks. They use this analysis to support strategic recommendations and deal evaluations.
Relationship Building
Maintaining strong client and internal relationships is essential. Investment bankers must earn trust and communicate complex ideas clearly to influence stakeholders.
Self-discipline and Work Ethics
The profession demands long hours and continuous performance. Bankers must manage deadlines, pressure and expectations with professionalism and resilience.
Communication and Negotiation
Effective communication and negotiation are essential for managing deals. Bankers must present ideas clearly and reach mutually beneficial agreements with multiple parties.
Cultural Competence and Teamwork
Global finance requires bankers to work across geographies and cultures. Collaboration with international teams enhances the quality and reach of their financial solutions.
How to Become an Investment Banker
Aspiring investment bankers need the right combination of education, practical experience and professional networking.
Educational Qualifications (Bachelor’s, MBA)
A degree in finance, economics, business or accounting is typically required. Many professionals also pursue an MBA to advance in investment banking roles or transition into the field.
Certifications (CFA, etc.)
Chartered financial analyst (CFA) course is highly regarded and demonstrate advanced financial knowledge. Regulatory certifications may also be required depending on the region.
Internships and Training Programs
Internships offer hands-on experience and are often the primary route into investment banking. Training programs at major banks teach technical and soft skills necessary for full-time roles.
Networking and Breaking into the Industry
Building a professional network is key to entering the field. Alumni connections, informational interviews and finance-related student organisations can help secure interviews and referrals.
Investment Banking Career Path and Work Culture
Understanding what do investment bankers do also involves knowing the structure and culture of their career path.
Career Levels (Analyst to MD)
The typical path starts as an analyst, then progresses to associate, vice president, director and finally managing director (MD). Each level carries increasing responsibility in deal execution, strategy and client relationships.
Work Hours and Lifestyle
Investment banking is known for demanding work hours, often exceeding 80 hours per week. The fast-paced environment and high expectations can impact work-life balance significantly.
Common Misconceptions and Challenges
While the field is often associated with prestige and compensation, what do investment bankers do also includes managing high stress, tight deadlines and intense client demands.
Salary and Bonus Structure
Investment banking salary is among the highest in the finance sector. Entry-level analysts may earn total compensation of $120,000 to $150,000 annually, including bonuses. At senior levels, managing directors can earn several million dollars per year. However, such rewards come with expectations of consistent high performance and long working hours.
Top Investment Banks Globally
Several global firms dominate the investment banking landscape. These include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, Barclays, Credit Suisse and UBS. Professionals seeking to understand what do investment bankers do can look to these firms for industry-leading practices and standards.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Investment Banking
Investment banking certification offers notable advantages and significant challenges.
Pros:
- High earning potential and strong financial incentives
- Access to complex, high-impact financial transactions
- Fast career progression and prestigious exit opportunities
Cons:
- Long hours and intense pressure
- Limited work-life balance
- High competition for roles and advancement
Knowing what do investment bankers do can help prospective candidates weigh these pros and cons effectively.
Planning to Pursue an Investment Banking Career?
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Final Thoughts: Is Investment Banking Right for You?
An investment banking career is both rewarding and demanding. Professionals who thrive in high-pressure environments, enjoy solving complex financial problems and possess strong communication and analytical skills are likely to succeed. Understanding what do investment bankers do can help you decide whether your personal goals and lifestyle align with the realities of the profession.
Evaluate your interest in finance, your tolerance for long hours and your commitment to continuous learning. If these align with your personal values and professional aspirations, then investment banking may be the right career path for you.
FAQs on What Investment Bankers Actually Do
Is a 3.7 GPA competitive for a career in investment banking?
Yes, a 3.7 GPA is generally considered strong, especially when combined with relevant internships and networking efforts.
Which undergraduate degree is better for investment banking: BCom or BBA?
Both degrees can lead to investment banking but a BBA may offer more exposure to finance, management and strategic coursework.
Should I pursue an MBA or a career in investment banking?
An MBA can enhance your qualifications and open senior-level roles in investment banking, especially if you lack prior experience in the field.
Which is a better career option: chartered accountancy or investment banking?
Chartered accountancy offers a stable, technical finance career, while investment banking provides high earning potential and strategic deal experience.
