Hi all,
I’m curious about the typical hierarchy at Morgan Stanley in investment banking. What are the different levels from analyst up to MD, and how long does it usually take to move up?
Thanks!
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Hi! 😊
The typical investment banking hierarchy at Morgan Stanley is:
- Analyst → Associate → AVP → VP → Executive Director → Managing Director (MD)
Titles and exact progression can vary slightly across teams. For example, some groups use Executive Director instead of AVP or Director roles.
For official details about career paths at Morgan Stanley, here’s a helpful link:
Morgan Stanley Careers
Good luck with your journey!
Rita
From my experience, the typical IB hierarchy at Morgan Stanley (and most bulge brackets) is:
- Analyst (Years 1–3)
- Associate (Years 3–6)
- Vice President (Years 6–9)
- Executive Director / Director (Years 9–12)
- Managing Director (Years 12+)
Timelines vary based on performance and business need, but strong performers can sometimes accelerate a level. Promotions get more competitive as you move up, especially at the VP > Director > MD stages, where client relationships and deal origination matter more.
Hey!
At Morgan Stanley, the investment banking hierarchy follows a standard bulge bracket structure: Analysts are entry-level hires, typically spending 2–3 years before promotion to Associate, who usually spend another 3 years before moving to Vice President. From VP, promotion to Executive Director or Senior Associate can take 2–3 years, followed by Director or Managing Director, with the timing varying based on performance, group, and deal exposure. Each level comes with increasing responsibility for client management, deal execution, and mentoring junior staff, and while the timelines are typical benchmarks, strong performers can progress faster, whereas others may take longer depending on opportunity and business needs.
Hey!
Morgan Stanley’s investment banking hierarchy typically starts with Analyst, usually a two- to three-year program, followed by Associate, which can last around three years before promotion to Vice President.
Above VP are Executive Director or Senior Associate roles in some regions, then Director, and finally Managing Director. Progression depends on performance, deal exposure, and leadership abilities, with high performers sometimes moving slightly faster. Each level brings more responsibility for client management, deal execution, and mentoring junior team members.