Breaking into investment banking can feel like a daunting task... especially if you don’t have a background in finance or years of experience under your belt. But- here’s the good news- with the right investment banking certifications... you can fast-track… your way into this dynamic & high-paying industry. Whether you're a fresh graduate or looking to pivot your career, the path is more accessible than you think.
In this blog, we’ll explore how certifications can open doors, the best certifications for investment banking, & how investment banking training programs can help you land entry-level jobs in investment banking…even if you're starting from scratch.
Why Investment Banking Is a Top Career Choice
Investment banking is one of the most prestigious & rewarding careers in the finance world. Professionals...in this field help organisations raise capital... execute mergers and acquisitions, & provide financial advisory services. It’s fast-paced, intellectually challenging, & comes with excellent growth prospects.
But it’s also competitive.
That’s why having an edge matters—and this is where investment banking certifications come in.
Can You Enter Investment Banking with No Experience? Absolutely!
Traditionally, investment banks preferred candidates from Ivy League schools or top MBA programs. But things have changed. Today, many banks and financial institutions are open to hiring candidates who’ve completed specialised investment banking courses for beginners, especially those that focus on practical skills and real-world scenarios.
A well-structured certification shows commitment, builds credibility, & demonstrates that you have the skills required for investment banking—even before stepping into your first job.
What Are Investment Banking Certifications—and Why Do They Matter?
Think of a certification- as your passport into the world of finance. These programs are designed to teach you the core concepts, tools, & workflows of investment banking. More importantly, they show employers that you’ve already been through rigorous training & are job-ready.
Whether you're learning about equity research, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, or risk management, investment banking certifications provide you with hands-on knowledge that recruiters value.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits-
- Practical training on real-life investment banking scenarios
- Access to industry tools & financial modelling techniques
- Structured learning paths that make complex topics easy to understand
- Networking opportunities through webinars, alumni networks & mentorship
- Placement assistance in many cases (especially with top-tier institutes)
Best Certifications for Investment Banking Beginners
There are many programs available, but not all are created equal. If you're searching for the best certifications for investment banking, focus on those that offer:
- A strong foundational curriculum
- Real-world case studies
- Live instructor-led sessions
- Interview and resume preparation
- Placement support
One of the most sought-after programs is the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) by Imarticus Learning. Tailored for freshers and career switchers, this program covers the entire trade lifecycle, risk management, compliance, and key industry operations.
The best part? It guarantees 7+ interview opportunities and boasts an 85% placement success rate. If you're looking for solid investment banking training programs, this is a fantastic place to start.
What You’ll Learn in Investment Banking Courses for Beginners
If you’re worried about not having a finance degree, don’t stress. These courses are built for absolute beginners. The curriculum typically includes:
- Basics of financial markets
- Equity and debt instruments
- Financial modelling
- Risk and compliance
- Trade lifecycle management
- M&A fundamentals
- Regulatory frameworks
- Tools like Excel, Bloomberg, and more
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills required for investment banking roles like:
- KYC Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Trade Support Analyst
- Investment Banking Associate
- Operations Executive
For a deeper dive into how investment banks operate, check out our blog on the Investment Banking Business Model.
How Certifications Help You Land Entry-Level Jobs in Investment Banking
Entry-level roles in investment banking are competitive, but having a certification gives you a clear advantage. Here’s how:
- Resume differentiation: Your CV instantly stands out with a relevant certification.
- Skill validation: Employers know you’re already familiar with their tools and processes.
- Confidence boost: You’re better prepared to answer technical questions in interviews.
- Networking access: Many programs connect you to alumni and hiring partners.
- Job readiness: You can hit the ground running from day one on the job.
Many Imarticus learners have landed entry-level jobs in investment banking straight after completing the CIBOP course—no prior experience needed.
A Look Inside the Imarticus Investment Banking Program
Let’s zoom in on the Certified Investment Banking Operations Program at Imarticus Learning. What makes this one of the best certifications for investment banking?
Live Online Training
Industry-Endorsed Curriculum
85% Placement Rate
7+ Interview Opportunities
Scenario-Based Learning
Dual Faculty Model for better concept clarity
Career Support and soft skills training
It’s not just about theory—you’ll walk away with job-ready practical knowledge that bridges the gap between academics and the industry.
Top Investment Banking Training Programs You Can Explore
Here’s a list of globally and locally recognised investment banking training programs that are perfect for beginners:
- CIBOP by Imarticus Learning (India-focused, high placement support)
- Certified Investment Banking Professional by NYIF (Global focus, flexible learning)
- Wall Street Prep Bootcamps (Great for financial modelling)
- Breaking Into Wall Street (BIWS) (Ideal for learning valuation and Excel modelling)
Each of these programs caters to different needs—but if you’re based in India and looking for placement support, CIBOP stands out for its effectiveness and support system.
Skills Required for Investment Banking Roles
Before diving in, it’s important to understand what recruiters look for in fresh candidates. Whether- you learn these through a course or self-study, here are the skills required for investment banking:
- Strong analytical thinking
- Financial modelling and Excel proficiency
- Knowledge of markets and instruments
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of compliance and regulation
These skills are covered in most investment banking courses for beginners, making you a strong candidate even if you’re new to the field.
Complement Your Learning with Finance Concepts
Want to strengthen your fundamentals even more? We recommend exploring topics like capital budgeting techniques, which are critical in evaluating project viability & ROI. Here's a great resource: Capital Budgeting Techniques Explained.
Also, as the world moves towards digitalisation… it's crucial to understand how technology is reshaping the industry. Explore how AI is making waves in finance in this blog: AI in Investment Banking.
These blogs will add valuable context & depth to your learning journey.
Who Should Take Up Investment Banking Certifications?
If you’re still wondering whether this path is for you, here’s who can benefit the most from investment banking certifications:
- Fresh graduates from commerce, finance, or engineering backgrounds
- Career switchers from BPOs, tech, or non-financial roles
- MBA aspirants wanting to strengthen their finance base
- Final-year students looking to boost campus placement prospects
If you fall into any of these categories, a certification can be your launchpad.
To know more about the program, check out this..
Finance Certifications for Freshers: A Smart Career Move
While there are many finance certifications for freshers, not all are focused on investment banking. General programs like CFA or FRM are great, but they take years to complete. If you're looking for faster results and direct job access, investment banking certifications like CIBOP are ideal.
You’ll not only gain domain expertise but also receive end-to-end placement support. That’s a huge win when you’re just starting out.
FAQs
1. Can I get into investment banking without experience?
Yes, with the right certification and practical training like the certified investment banking program from imarticus learning you can get certified and get into entry-level jobs in investment banking.
2. What are the top skills required for investment banking?
Analytical thinking, Excel, financial modelling, market knowledge, & communication are key.
3. How long does it take to finish an investment banking certification?
Courses such as CIBOP can be finished in 3 - 6 months, depending on your speed.
4. What is the best certification for investment banking starters?
The Certified Investment Banking Operations Program (CIBOP) by Imarticus is highly accepted among starters because of its real-world curriculum and placement assistance.
5. Are investment banking certifications worth it?
Yes, they provide structured learning, practical skills, &often job support—making them a worthwhile investment for career starters.
6. Are non-finance graduates eligible to take investment banking training programs?
Yes, most investment banking training programs are for candidates who do not have a finance background and consist of core modules.
7. What is the average salary after passing a certification?
Freshers' pay scales differ but usually range from ₹4–8 LPA in India, based on your position, location, and performance in interviews.
Final Thoughts: No Experience? No Problem. Just Get Certified.
In a competitive industry like investment banking, knowledge is power—but having the right kind of knowledge makes all the difference. With investment banking certifications… even a complete beginner can break into the world of finance.
By choosing well-recognised investment banking courses for beginners, focusing on practical learning, and developing the skills required for investment banking, you’ll be job-ready in no time.And if you're serious about making this move, don’t wait. Explore the Certified Investment Banking Operations Program by Imarticus Learning—one of the best certifications for investment banking in India today.
