Is Citi underrated in investment banking?

Question

Hi all,

I’ve been looking into Citi as part of my BB applications and was surprised at how strong their league table rankings are, especially in DCM and ECM. But I don’t hear people talk about Citi as often as other BBs.

Is Citi underrated as an IB platform? How’s the experience for analysts in terms of deal exposure and exit opps?

Answer 1

Citi does tend to be underrated when people talk about the bulge brackets, often because the conversation usually centers around firms like Goldman, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan.

But, Citi has a very strong presence in capital markets, particularly DCM and ECM, and they consistently rank near the top in those areas. Their M&A platform is solid too, especially in certain regions and sectors, and analysts often get meaningful exposure to cross-border deals given the firm’s global reach. If you’re interested in transactions with an international angle or want breadth across product areas, Citi offers a strong platform.

For analysts, the experience can be quite positive. You’ll likely get early responsibility and a chance to work on a variety of deals, which builds a strong skill set. Exit opportunities are also competitive, especially if you’re in one of the stronger groups.

While Citi may not always have the same brand recognition buzz as some peers, the training, deal exposure, and alumni network put you in a strong position for both internal progression and external opportunities. In many ways, it’s a place where you can get a very solid foundation without always being in the spotlight.

Answer 2

Hi there,

From my experience and from what I’ve heard from former candidates, Citi is definitely stronger than its relatively quiet reputation might suggest.

They’re consistently at the top in DCM and ECM, and in certain M&A sectors they have excellent deal flow. Often with a strong cross-border element. People I’ve spoken to valued the breadth of transactions and the chance to take on responsibility early. Exit opportunities are comparable to other bulge brackets, but as always, your specific group and location will influence your experience a lot.

I hope this helps.
Rita