Working in Investment Banking

Ever since the early 1980's, there has always been a buzz surrounding jobs connected with the City. The high-flying lifestyle and accumulated wealth created an image which continually attracted workers to the world of Investment Banking. However, the stock market crash of 1987 brought about significant changes in the industry and, as competition and globalisation increased, organisations were forced to review their business strategies. In order to attract and retain new customers, Investment Banks began to focus on a wider range of products and services in order to satisfy both traditional corporate investors and the increasing number of private investors.

Although there is no exact definition of the term Investment Bank, it is generally applied to business houses which changed from trading in their own right to financing the commercial activities of others, particularly on an international scale. Nowadays, investment banks help corporations and governments issue securities, raise capital and restructure businesses through takeovers, mergers and acquisitions and help investors purchase securities, manage financial assets, trade securities and provide financial advice.

Over the years, the consultants at Dunlop & Badenoch have built up a wealth of experience placing candidates in all sectors of Investment Banking across Back, Middle and Front Office for a number of the leading Investment Banks in London. As such, we are able to specialise in all of the following areas:

• Administration/Clerical
• Audit & Compliance
• Business Analyst
• Cash Management
• Client Services
• Corporate Actions
• Credit Analyst/Corporate Finance
• Derivatives
• Dividends
• Equities
• Eurobonds
• Financial Control
• Fixed Income
• Fund Manager/Assistant
• Fund/Investment Accountant
• Fund/Portfolio Administration
• Human Resources
• Loans Administration
• Payments
• Project Management
• Reconciliations
• Relationship Management
• Research
• Risk Management
• Settlements
• Statutory Reporting
• Stock Borrowing Lending
• System/IT support
• Trade Finance
• Trade Support
• Treasury/FX MM

Within each of these departments, we can recruit for all positions from junior to senior level, across a range of salaries and in both temporary and permanent positions.

Is it right for me?

Investment Banking is an extremely competitive area to work in and mergers and acquisitions are commonplace in today's market. It is difficult to break into the industry - but persistence and thorough preparation is the key. High pressure, frustration and long hours are often rewarded with the exhilaration when everything clicks together, along with the excellent benefits packages that organisations offer.

Further training is often encouraged in order to gain a competitive edge in the market, both for yourself and your employer. The Chartered Institute of Bankers or professional bodies such as the Securities Institute outline a variety of training programmes that will help you to improve your career prospects.

People that tend to succeed within the industry have the following characteristics:

• Able to build positive, long-standing relationships with colleagues and clients and work in a team-orientated organisation
• Communication and analytical skills are vital in order to get work done effectively and understand current market trends and the macroeconomic environment
• Prepared to work extensive hours and achieve results within a deadline
• Mathematical knowledge and a basic accounts ability
• Able to demonstrate a proven track record of success and be innovative with your ideas
• Most importantly, you should be dedicated to success and be able to grasp hold of opportunities as they present themselves.