If you want to shape the future of Southeast Asia, start in Singapore. As the undisputed financial capital of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Singapore sits at the center of a $2.8 trillion regional market and its influence is only growing. It is the main banking hub for international capital in the region. In 2024, the city-state led Southeast Asia in M&A deal value and volume, cementing its dominance in cross-border dealmaking.
Finance professionals pick Singapore for its clear benefits. They can tap into high-growth markets, like Indonesian energy projects and Vietnamese tech deals. The regulatory environment is stable, thanks to MAS oversight. Plus, Singapore offers a chance to engage with various emerging market trends. Singapore is a key hub for investors looking at the region's fastest-growing economies.
This guide shows you how to get jobs at top investment banks in Singapore. It covers which firms hire and train talent, what salaries to expect, and how to position your career for 2025 and beyond.
Investment banks in Singapore play a key role. They connect businesses in Southeast Asia with global capital markets. Additionally, they handle complex international transactions that boost regional economies. For example, they advise Indonesian state companies on billion-dollar energy deals. They also help structure Vietnamese fintech IPOs for global markets. Their work spans a wide range of services, from traditional M&A advisory to cutting-edge innovations in digital and sustainable finance:
In the fast-paced world of investment banking in Singapore, choosing the right firm will accelerate your career trajectory. Singapore’s strategic position as ASEAN’s financial gateway attracts both global giants and regional leaders. This section highlights the top firms shaping the future of the industry.
Singapore serves as a critical hub for the world’s most influential investment banks. These firms offer not only prestige and global reach but also access to Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. Let’s explore the leading players defining the landscape in 2025.
Goldman Sachs maintains its position as Asia's premier investment bank through its Singapore hub. The firm’s apprenticeship culture helps junior bankers get hands-on training through its analyst academy. They also gain direct experience with major deals, such as advising Temasek on strategic investments.
Goldman's Singapore office spans various sectors, including Indonesian commodities and regional fintech. Analysts enjoy global mobility after two years. Entry-level pay is between SGD 130,000 and 150,000. In strong deal years, bonuses can go above the base salary.
👉 Goldman Sachs Interview Guide
J.P. Morgan operates one of Asia's largest investment banking platforms from its Singapore corporate center. This is their command center ASEAN. The bank is strong because it covers many industries, from traditional finance to new tech. It has more than 4,000 local employees to support this.
JPM's analyst program offers rotations in Hong Kong or New York. This gives you unique global exposure. The firm consistently ranks first in Asia-Pacific fee revenue, reflecting deep M&A and capital markets expertise.
Morgan Stanley differentiates itself through an ideas-driven culture that values diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Its Singapore team leverages the firm's global research capabilities to win mandates, particularly in technology and consumer sectors. MS promotes a collegial atmosphere compared to peers, emphasizing work quality over face time. The firm's commitment to diversity shows through targeted recruitment and robust development policies.
👉 Morgan Stanley Interview Guide
Citi uses its regional hub status to lead cross-border financing, especially for multinational firms growing in ASEAN. The bank's strength in treasury services boosts its investment banking. This builds strong, lasting client relationships. Citi analysts take on early responsibility. They often present to C-suite executives in their first year. The firm's spending on digital banking tech prepares it for fintech advice.
Bank of America offers a better work-life balance with protected weekends and required vacation time. BofA's office in Singapore stands out in debt underwriting and leveraged finance. It takes advantage of ASEAN's need for infrastructure financing. The global rotation program allows high performers to spend 6 to 12 months in other offices. Analysts praise the comprehensive training program covering both technical and soft skills development.
👉 Bank of America Interview Guide
After merging with Credit Suisse, UBS now runs the biggest wealth management franchise in Asia. This merger opens up unique chances for investment bankers to work with ultra-high-net-worth clients. The combined entity offers full-service capabilities and has a strong history in Southeast Asia M&A advisory. UBS maintains rigorous two-year analyst programs with extensive classroom training and formal academies.
Barclays brings specialized strength in fixed-income and derivatives trading, rounding out the bulge bracket landscape with a strong market presence. The bank places a clear focus on innovation through fintech partnerships and digital platform development. For ambitious candidates, Barclays offers well-defined career paths and fast-track promotion opportunities.
Deutsche Bank stands out in debt capital markets and structured products, making it a key player in the bulge bracket group. The firm actively invests in digital transformation and collaborates with fintech to stay at the forefront of financial innovation. High performers can expect clear career progression and accelerated growth opportunities.
👉 Deutsche Bank Interview Guide
While global banks dominate headlines, elite boutique investment firms have established a strong presence in Singapore’s financial landscape. These firms are known for their smaller teams, close-knit culture, and high levels of responsibility from day one, making them attractive to professionals seeking hands-on experience and rapid development. Here’s a look at the boutiques setting the benchmark in 2025.
Evercore has aggressively expanded in Singapore, aiming to attract senior bankers for its Southeast Asian franchise. The firm's lean structure lets analysts work directly with managing directors. They collaborate on billion-dollar cross-border M&A deals. Evercore's advisory model avoids conflicts from trading or lending. This approach draws in clients who want independent advice. Analysts take charge of models and join negotiations right from the start.
Rothschild have a long history of advising in Asian markets. They excel in mid-market deals and family-owned business sales. The Singapore team handles complex situations requiring discretion and relationship management. Junior bankers receive exceptional training in valuation methodologies and negotiation tactics. The tight-knit team atmosphere fosters mentorship, with managing directors actively developing analyst skills.
In addition to international players, local banks also play a central role in Singapore’s investment banking landscape. For those aiming to build a long-term career in the ASEAN regio, and who value stability, cultural proximity, and hands-on development, these institutions offer compelling alternatives to global investment banks. This section highlights the strengths of the three leading firms.
DBS earned "World's Best Bank" recognition through digital innovation and consistent profitability. As Asia's largest bank by assets, DBS offers unparalleled ASEAN deal flow, particularly in Singapore and Indonesia. The investment banking division benefits from commercial banking relationships, providing warm introductions to corporate clients.
DBS's two-year graduate program features rotations across divisions. Employees describe the culture as "joyful" and collaborative. Starting compensation around SGD 85,000–100,000 reflects local market standards.
UOB focuses on ASEAN SMEs and regional infrastructure deals, carving a profitable niche often overlooked by global banks. The bank’s "purpose and balance" philosophy means sustainable hours and a focus on employee growth. UOB's graduate program offers chances for secondments to Malaysia or Greater China. Consistent profits mean stable bonuses and career growth.
OCBC has a strong reputation for detail and excellent client relationships, especially in real estate and healthcare. The investment banking division gains from OCBC's private banking strength. It taps into deal flow from high-net-worth business owners. Cross-training opportunities across corporate banking and risk management create well-rounded professionals. The supportive culture is ideal for graduates who value learning more than high pay right away.
Together, these institutions deliver blue-chip deal flow and rigorous training. Global banks offer compensation starting around SGD 110,000 to 150,000 for analysts, with bonuses often matching base pay. Visa sponsorship often helps exceptional foreign graduates, but companies prefer local talent.
Selecting the right investment bank in Singapore is an important step in shaping your long-term career. This framework helps you assess firms through a structured lens, aligning your personal goals, work preferences, and future ambitions with the right institutional fit.
Focus your decision-making around three critical dimensions that directly impact your day-to-day experience and career growth.
First, check culture fit by looking at:
Second, know the compensation facts: bulge brackets pay SGD 110,000–150,000 total for analysts, plus bonuses of 70–100% of base salary. In contrast, local banks offer SGD 75,000–100,000 but with a better work-life balance.
👉 Curious about your earning potential in Southeast Asia? Check out our detailed guide on consulting salaries in Singapore.
Third, check how likely it is for banks to sponsor visas. Local banks seldom sponsor Employment Passes, so non-residents have fewer chances.
Turning a strategic career plan into reality requires more than ambition. It demands early action, skill-building, and informed decision-making. With this four-part roadmap, you’ll know exactly what to do at each stage.
Timing is critical in investment banking recruitment. Most analyst programs in Singapore open applications between August and October for intake the following year. The majority of hires at global banks—over 80%—are drawn from their summer internship pools, so early preparation and timely applications are key. To maximize your chances, aim to submit 15 to 20 applications across firms and regions.
Developing technical skills is non-negotiable. Start by building fluency in Excel and financial modeling through platforms like BIWS or Wall Street Prep. Certifications can further boost your credibility—especially if you’re transitioning from another industry. Consider completing the Bloomberg Market Concepts course and CFA Level 1. For roles in sustainable finance, ESG certifications are increasingly valued.
In investment banking, your network is as important as your resume. Begin by reaching out to university alumni working at your target firms for informal conversations. Participating in finance clubs and case competitions will sharpen your skills and expand your visibility. Attend career fairs and bank-sponsored events to meet recruiters face-to-face, and use LinkedIn strategically to connect with analysts and hiring managers through thoughtful, personalized outreach.
👉 Want to land a job in finance? Learn how strategic networking in investment banking can open doors and boost your chances in our guide.
Before applying, conduct thorough research to ensure alignment with your goals. Use platforms like Glassdoor and informal chats with current analysts to understand firm culture. Track league tables and recent transactions to evaluate deal flow and market positioning. Finally, examine the career trajectories of alumni via LinkedIn to get a realistic view of exit opportunities.
Use this checklist to evaluate how well the investment banking path aligns with your personal goals, working style, and constraints:
Also consider what kind of lifestyle you prefer:
Think about your exit opportunities:
Taking the time to reflect on your goals, lifestyle preferences, and practical constraints will help you make a smarter, more sustainable career decision.
Singapore is the top investment banking hub in Southeast Asia. It puts you right at the entrance to ASEAN's most vibrant markets. Its investment banking scene has three main career paths:
Success needs smart planning. Use the culture-compensation-visa assessment framework. This will help you align your goals with real opportunities.
Start preparing 12 months before your target start date. Focus on converting internships. This is key, as bulge brackets fill over 80% of analyst roles this way. Take financial modeling courses to develop your technical skills. Also, build your network through alumni connections and finance groups. Keep an eye on application deadlines. Recruitment cycles run from August to October for the next year.
👉 Considering a future in investment banking? Discover the top investment banks in the world and how they compare in our detailed guide.
