Best investment banks to work for in 2025

Hey,

In 2025, the best investment banks to work for depend on what you value most — deal flow, culture, learning opportunities, or long-term career development. Firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan remain strong choices due to their global reach, consistent deal volume, and alumni networks. These firms tend to offer rigorous training and exposure to high-profile clients, which can open many doors later in your career.

At the same time, many professionals are drawn to elite boutiques like Evercore, Centerview, and Lazard. These firms offer leaner deal teams, which means more responsibility early on and deeper involvement in live transactions. Culture and work-life balance can vary widely, so it's worth talking to current analysts to understand what fits your style. Ultimately, the best bank is where you can grow, be challenged, and build relationships that support your long-term goals.

From our opinion, the "best" investment bank to work for in 2025 really depends on what you're looking for. 

If you're after prestige and high-profile deals, you cannot really go wrong with top-tier names like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, or Morgan Stanley. For a more regional focus or niche expertise, banks like Lazard, Rothschild, or Evercore might be great fits, but there are also some great mid-market firms and boutiques that might offer a better work-life-balance. 

For a general overview, maybe this article might help: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/investment-banks

After all, it's a very personal choice and really depends on your preferences in terms of compensation, culture, career growth, and lifestyle. Whichever firm you pick, we wish you much success and hope that PrepLounge could be a great part of your journey! ?