Hi, I am interested to consider applying to a junior role (Senior Analyst or so) in a BB for IB (SEA). I did my Bachelor in Accounting before doing a Master in IT. My work experience at Big4 includes DD, business case, and performance improvement, and risk management.
If I do not have MBA, would this move be possible? If yes what can I do to achieve this?
Otherwise aside from BB is there any Tier 2 or boutique i can look at?
Thank you in advance.
Hi There!
Moving from a Big 4 strategy or deals team into investment banking is definitely possible, especially at the Analyst or Senior Analyst level. Your background in due diligence and business case development gives you a solid foundation, as these skills are highly transferable to M&A and coverage work.
While an MBA can help with lateral moves, it’s not a strict requirement — especially if you already have relevant transaction experience and can demonstrate a strong understanding of valuation, financial modeling, and deal execution.
To position yourself, focus on networking with bankers in SEA and tailoring your CV to emphasize deal exposure, client interaction, and analytical work. You should also be prepared to explain your motivations clearly and show a strong grasp of technical concepts in interviews. If BBs prove competitive, strong Tier 2 firms and regional boutiques are excellent options to break in and can offer more hands-on experience. Firms like Rothschild, Lincoln International, BDA Partners, and local M&A boutiques often value candidates with your kind of background. Once you’re in, it’s much easier to move across banks or roles as you gain more direct deal experience.
Hey There,
that's a really interesting background you have, and honestly, coming from Big4 Strategy with an Accounting and IT Master's actually positions you quite well, even without an MBA. It's definitely possible to make that move to a Senior Analyst role in a bulge bracket for IB, especially in a region like SEA.
Here's why: your Big4 experience in DD, business cases, and performance improvement is highly relevant. You've been exposed to transaction processes, financial analysis, and working with clients on strategic issues, which are core to investment banking. The IT Master's also gives you a unique edge in an increasingly tech-driven finance world. The key will be to articulate how those experiences translate directly to IB. You'll need to really hone your financial modeling skills to an advanced level, beyond what might have been required in your Big4 strategy role. Be prepared to build sophisticated models from scratch and explain them inside out, along with mastering valuation methodologies.
Networking is absolutely crucial here. Leverage any existing Big4 connections who may have transitioned to IB or know people there. Don't be shy about strategic cold outreach, focusing on how your unique Big4 experience brings value. For your resume and interviews, you'll need to clearly demonstrate your passion for IB and show that you've proactively learned the core technical skills that are essential for the role. You've got relevant experience; now it's about framing it for an IB context. And yes, absolutely, if the bulge brackets prove tough, Tier 2 and boutique banks are excellent avenues to explore. They often value diverse backgrounds and provide hands-on experience that can be a great stepping stone. Many people start there and then lateral to bigger firms. You've got a strong foundation; it's about building on it with targeted effort.
I was working in DD teams in KPMG and EY and then transitioned to a buy-side M&A role. Having given countless IB and PE interviews myself and also mentored candidates make similar switches, would love to give my two cents:
Your background in accounting (Bachelor’s), IT (Master’s), and Big4 experience in DD, business cases, and performance improvement provides a solid foundation for a move into IB. While an MBA is helpful, it’s not strictly necessary—what matters most is your ability to demonstrate strong financial modeling and valuation skills, which are critical for IB roles.
IBs expect candidates to hit the ground running on live deals. Your Big4 DD experience is relevant, but you’ll need to:
Master Core IB Modeling Skills:
Build 3-statement models, DCFs, LBOs, and M&A accretion/dilution models from scratch.
Understand how these models are used in real deals (e.g., pricing an acquisition, assessing financing structures).
Learn the "IB Way" of Modeling:
Big4 financial analysis often differs from IB-style modeling (e.g., less focus on quick, flexible, and deal-specific outputs).
You’ll need to adapt to IB conventions (e.g., merger models with purchase price allocation, debt schedules with covenants).
Take a Practical, Deal-Focused Course:
Avoid generic online courses. Instead, learn from an experienced IB coach (ex-BB/EB banker) who can teach you how models are built in real transactions.
Recommended platforms: ASM boutique trainers with deal experience (e.g., ex-bankers offering small-group coaching).
Work on Case Studies:
Practice modeling for real SEA deals (e.g., Grab’s SPAC, SEA Ltd’s M&A). This will help you speak fluently about deals in interviews.
Certainly possible, especially in SEA where lateral hires are more common. Your Big 4 strategy + DD experience is relevant. Highlight deal exposure, modeling skills, and client work. To boost your chances:
If BBs are tough, maybe look at firms like HSBC, Nomura or boutiques like Rothschild, BDA Partners, or local M&A advisory shops. Breaking in is doable, just needs persistence and positioning.
