As the second largest city in the US, Los Angeles is home to many top investment banks. This provides great employment opportunities for investment banking candidates. This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the investment banking landscape in LA, with a focus on the following aspects: Major investment banks in LA, Popular recruiting positions, Job hunting strategies, Industry outlook and challenges. Los Angeles has the largest concentration of investment banks in the US, with many big names like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank having regional HQs here. Here is a list of major investment banks in Los Angeles:
Top investment banking firms in Los Angeles
As the second largest city in the US, Los Angeles is home to many top investment banks. This provides great employment opportunities for investment banking candidates. This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the investment banking landscape in LA, with a focus on the following aspects: Major investment banks in LA, Popular recruiting positions, Job hunting strategies, Industry outlook and challenges. Los Angeles has the largest concentration of investment banks in the US, with many big names like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank having regional HQs here. Here is a list of major investment banks in Los Angeles:
Goldman Sachs – The largest investment bank globally, LA office second only to the NYC headquarters
JPMorgan – The biggest US bank, with investment banking branches in LA
Deutsche Bank – Germany’s largest bank, LA serves as US headquarters
Credit Suisse – Switzerland’s largest bank, LA employee headcount second to NYC
BNP Paribas – France’s largest bank, LA investment banking serves Western US clients
Nomura Securities – Japan’s largest securities firm, LA office is US headquarters
Popular investment banking recruiting positions in LA
The most popular investment banking recruiting positions in LA are concentrated in the Investment Banking Division and Sales & Trading.
The Investment Banking Division is mainly responsible for client coverage and providing M&A and other financing services. Popular roles include:
M&A Analyst – Analyze M&A deals, produce pitchbooks
ECM Analyst – Assist clients with IPOs and equity issuance
DCM Analyst – Help clients issue bonds
The Sales & Trading division generates revenue through trading financial products, either by proprietary trading or for clients. Popular roles include:
Equity trader – Trade stocks
Fixed income trader – Trade bonds to earn bid-ask spread
Structuring trader – Trade derivatives like CDS
Job hunting strategies for investment banks in LA
Los Angeles provides great opportunities for investment banking candidates, but the competition is also fierce. The keys are to build your competitive advantages. Main suggestions are:
1. Choose suitable bank size – Big banks provide more training, small banks offer more autonomy
2. Pay attention to banks’ sector focuses – Different banks have different industry priorities
3. Prepare for interviews early – Study cases and industry knowledge, practice communication skills
4. Use networks for referrals – Leverage alumni resources to increase chances
Industry outlook and challenges for investment banking
Currently, the investment banking industry is facing disruption from digitization, but core competitive strengths remain. The outlook for investment banking in LA is promising, but there are also many challenges:
1. Traditional businesses being encroached by internet firms
2. Increasing regulation limiting revenue growth
3. New entrants intensifying competition and talent attrition
Overall, LA remains the top destination for investment banking careers. Seize the opportunities and plan for the future – the possibilities are endless!
Los Angeles provides great investment banking career opportunities as the second largest US city. Major global banks have presence here along with recruiting needs across divisions. Competition is fierce but can be overcome through selecting suitable banks, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and leveraging networks.