A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Investment Banking Operations

Imagine the fast-paced world of billion-dollar deals, mergers, IPOs & global trading desks. Behind the scenes of this high-stakes arena lies a complex system that ensures every transaction is accurate, compliant, & timely. Welcome to the world of Investment Banking Operations… the heartbeat of the financial engine that powers global markets.

If you’re intrigued by the mechanics that keep investment banks running like well-oiled machines or considering a career behind the trading floor glamour, this guide will demystify the core of investment banking operations and show you how everything works together.


What Are Investment Banking Operations?

Investment Banking Operations refers to the set of processes & systems that support and manage the execution, clearing, settlement, & risk management of financial transactions. In simpler terms, while traders and bankers negotiate big deals on the front lines, operations ensure everything behind the curtain runs flawlessly.

These professionals don’t just process paperwork – they ensure regulatory compliance, manage large volumes of data, monitor risk, and optimise workflows. Without them, a single failed transaction could ripple across global markets.

🎥 Watch this video to get a quick visual breakdown of Investment Banking Operations:
What is Investment Banking Operations?


Investment Banking Basics: What You Should Know

Before we dig deeper, let’s go over some investment banking basics:

TermMeaning
Investment BankA financial institution that helps individuals, corporations, and governments raise capital and offer advisory services.
Front OfficeInvolves client-facing roles like sales, trading, and M&A advisory.
Middle OfficeFocuses on risk management, compliance, and financial control.
Back Office in Investment BankingIncludes operations, settlements, technology, and administrative support.

Understanding these components is essential for decoding how investment banks work.


The Investment Banking Process – Step by Step

Here’s how a typical transaction flows through the investment banking process:

StageDescription
Deal InitiationFront office negotiates the deal (e.g., buying stocks or issuing bonds).
Trade ExecutionOrders are placed and executed in the market.
Trade CaptureThe trade details are recorded into the system.
Trade MatchingBoth parties agree on trade terms (buyer and seller reconciliation).
SettlementThe actual exchange of securities and funds.
Post-SettlementCompliance checks, reporting, and risk management are done.

This structured approach is at the core of the investment banking workflow. Every stage is closely monitored by the operations team to ensure nothing goes wrong.


Front Office vs Back Office Banking – What’s the Difference?

Understanding the divide between- front office vs back office banking is crucial when exploring careers in finance.

Front OfficeBack Office
Revenue-generating rolesSupport functions that facilitate transactions
Includes sales, trading, M&AIncludes settlements, tech support, documentation
Client-facingInternal processes
High pressure, fast-pacedDetail-oriented, risk-sensitive

While the front office closes the deal, the back office in investment banking ensures it’s completed safely, legally, & correctly.


How Investment Banks Work – The Inside Scoop

So, how investment banks work on a broader scale?

They perform three primary functions:

  1. Advisory Services – Helping clients with mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring.
  2. Trading and Brokerage – Buying/selling securities on behalf of clients or the bank itself.
  3. Capital Raising – Helping companies raise funds through IPOs, bonds, etc.

However, all these glamorous activities require a robust investment banking workflow, governed by compliance, risk, and operational efficiency.

Operations professionals are the hidden gears making this machinery run. Want to dive deeper into how roles vary? Check out this insightful article:
👉 High‑Paying Investment Banking Job Roles


Building a Career in Investment Banking Operations

For those who prefer precision over pitching, and processes over persuasion, there are several careers in investment banking operations worth exploring.

RoleKey Responsibilities
Trade Support AnalystEnsures trades are booked correctly and settled on time.
Risk & Control OfficerMonitors risk exposure and compliance breaches.
Settlements AnalystConfirms and settles securities and cash transactions.
Documentation SpecialistManages contracts, agreements, and legal paperwork.
KYC/AML AnalystConducts background checks and ensures anti-money laundering compliance.

Most of these roles begin in the back office in investment banking but offer clear growth paths into middle-office risk management or supervisory roles.

To get started on this path, consider professional certification. The Certified Investment Banking Operations Program by Imarticus is a top choice for beginners and graduates.


The Rise of Technology in Banking Operations

Automation, AI, & data analytics are reshaping investment banking operations. Today, operations teams rely on tools like:

  • SWIFT for global payments
  • Bloomberg for trade confirmation
  • Calypso & Murex for derivatives
  • Python/RPA for automation workflows

This tech-driven shift is not just about speed—it’s about reducing risk and improving accuracy.

Investment Banking Operations

Investment Banking Workflow in Real-Time

Let’s walk through a real-world investment banking workflow for a trade:

📈 Scenario: A trader at an investment bank buys 10,000 shares of Tesla

DepartmentAction Taken
Front OfficeExecutes trade using a trading platform like Bloomberg.
Middle OfficeChecks whether the trade complies with risk limits and regulations.
Back OfficeReconciles the trade details, initiates settlement, sends confirmation.

Without precise coordination, even a simple trade can go awry. That’s why strong investment banking process knowledge is crucial.


Challenges in Investment Banking Operations

Despite advances, there are challenges:

  • High volume and time-sensitive transactions
  • Regulatory scrutiny and constant audits
  • Legacy systems vs new tech integration
  • Human errors leading to financial losses

Addressing these issues is where skill, training, and attention to detail come into play. That’s why learning the ropes through an industry-focused program like Imarticus Learning’s CIBOP can be a career game-changer.


Front Office vs Back Office Banking – Why Both Matter

There’s often a misconception that the back office in investment banking is less important. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

While front-office deals bring in revenue, operational efficiency determines profitability. Any error in clearing or settlement can lead to regulatory fines, client dissatisfaction, or worse—loss of reputation.

The two are not opposites, but complementary. Understanding front office vs back office banking is key to appreciating the complete picture of how investment banks work.

🎥 For a deeper dive into real banking operations, check this explainer:
Investment Banking Operations Roles Video


The Future of Operations in Banking

The future of investment banking operations is evolving fast. Automation will handle more manual tasks, while professionals will be expected to manage exceptions, analytics, and regulatory strategy.

Want to explore what lies ahead? Don’t miss this must-read:
👉 Future of Investment Banking – Key Predictions & Insights

Moreover, skills in business management, strategic thinking, and tech-savviness will play a critical role. See how management skills can boost your operational career here:
👉 How Business Management Skills Help in Investment Banking


Ready to Launch Your Career?

If you’re excited about problem-solving, detail orientation, and want to be at the heart of financial markets without selling or trading, then careers in investment banking operations are for you.

Why Choose Imarticus CIBOP?

FeatureBenefit
Industry-Endorsed CurriculumLearn real-world investment banking basics and workflows.
7+ Guaranteed InterviewsDirect access to top hiring firms.
3–6 Months DurationQuick entry into the workforce.
85% Placement RateHigh chances of success with structured career support.

👉 Explore the Certified Investment Banking Operations Program


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is investment banking operations a good career for beginners?
Absolutely! If you’re just starting out and want to enter the world of finance without diving straight into high-pressure sales or trading, investment banking operations is a great place to begin. It gives you a solid understanding of how the financial world really works behind the scenes.


2. Do I need to be a finance graduate to get into this field?
While a finance or commerce background definitely helps, it’s not mandatory. What matters more is your understanding of financial systems, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. Many people come in from different academic streams and do well with the right training.


3. What’s the work environment like in operations?
It’s usually fast-paced but structured. You’ll work closely with traders, compliance teams, & technology professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly. Deadlines are important… but it’s not as aggressive as front-office roles.


4. Can I move from operations to other departments like risk or compliance?
Yes, definitely! Many professionals start in operations and then move to middle-office functions like risk management, compliance, or- even tech-based roles. It’s a great stepping stone for broader roles in finance.


5. Do investment banking operations involve coding or programming?
Not always, but it’s becoming increasingly useful. Tools like Excel, Python, or basic automation knowledge can really boost your profile. That said, you can still do well without coding if you’re strong in process management and analysis.


6. Is it necessary to work long hours in operations?
It depends on the firm and your specific role. Some roles might require extended hours during peak times (like financial quarter-ends), but in general, operations roles offer better work-life balance than front-office roles.


7. What skills are most important for success in investment banking operations?
Great question! You’ll need strong attention to detail, good communication, problem-solving ability, & a basic understanding of financial products. Being organised and comfortable with data also goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Investment Banking Operations may be less flashy than trading, but it’s no less exciting. You’re the force that ensures the engine of global finance runs without a hitch.

Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or a curious learner, this field opens up avenues into risk, compliance, settlements, & technology-driven roles that are always in demand.

Understanding how investment banks work; the roles within the investment banking process, & the difference between front office vs back office banking is just the beginning.

If you’re ready to deep-dive, the opportunities are endless.

Certified Investment Banking Operations Course | Career Boost

Investment banking operations contribute to the blood and soul of the financial services industry. High-quality professions in this niche lead to career pursuit and success with kickstarting as a Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP). 

As mentioned below, it includes an all-inclusive guide on investment banking operations jobs, the process for certification, course fees, and why CIBOP is a good investment in your career. 

According to research, “The average salary for professionals in investment banking operations is approximately ₹21.2 lakhs per year, with a typical range between ₹15 lakhs and ₹45.4 lakhs depending on experience and specific job roles.”

Looking to elevate your career in investment banking and don’t have the clue on where to start? Don’t worry! This blog will take you through its guide and also help you with the best institute by the end. Let’s find everything you need about the CIBOP course and how it can fast-track your career.

What is Investment Banking Operations?

Investment banking operations manage back-end activities, ensuring that all investment banking-related activities run smoothly. Such operations cover transactions, risk management, and compliance with specific requirements. These key areas include securities operations, asset management, financial market analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Investment banking operations are crucial to operating efficiently in the financial market, as everything from settling trades to managing risk and reporting the activities to the regulators must come out.

Why Are Investment Banking Operations Crucial?

  • Settlement of trades: The way of taking the place of the securities trade is efficient
  • Risk management: Reduces every form of investment risk.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Banking activity should be open to government regulation.
  • Securities Operations: Maintaining the Buy and Sell of financial instruments. 
  • Wealth and Asset Management: Investments and portfolio management for clients. 

Why Pursue CIBOP Certification by Imarticus Learning?

The Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP) program by Imarticus Learning is the perfect choice for finance professionals. Here, they can gain all the skills and knowledge required for effective and efficient performance in investment banking operations.

The learners can be fresh graduates or a bit experienced and thus, learning through CIBOP changes them by equipping the participant with knowledge on the latest trends, tools, and techniques of the industry.

Key Features of the CIBOP Course

  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Insights into investment banking operations like risk management, securities operations, and wealth management.
  • Investment Banking Operations Jobs Guarantee: 100% job assurance is provided with a record of 85% placement record and a pay scale as high as 9 LPA. 
  • Flexible Learning Opportunities: Classes are conducted on weekdays as well as weekends, with an online & live session.
  • Hands-On Understanding: Case study, simulation and internship.
  • Industry Recognition: Named Best Education Provider in Finance at the 30th Elets World Education Summit 2024.

Career Growth in Investment Banking Operations

Investment banking operations jobs are in high demand because of the constant need by the financial institutions of professionals to administer their gigantic portfolios and run their operations. 

Roles are very diversified. For example: trade support and regulatory compliance together with financial risk management.

Career Opportunities After CIBOP Certification

Operations Analyst: It is a specialised practice in managing financial transactions, leading to an efficient settlement process.

  • Risk Manager: Identifies, tracks, and regulates any kind of risk related to any investment.
  • Compliance Officer: Performs all his operations in such a way that all of his operations are well within the scope of the prevailing regulatory requirements of the business.
  • Wealth Manager: Caters to high net-worth individuals and looks after their investment portfolio.
  • Securities Operations Specialist: Handles all activities concerned with the movement of securities and their processing.

Curriculum and Modules

The CIBOP course provides a great learning experience, covering important topics such as:

  • Financial markets and instruments
  • Securities operations
  • Risk management and compliance
  • Wealth and asset management
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) practices

Real-World Application

Focused on practical learning, the course includes:

  • Simulations and case studies
  • Real-world projects guided by industry experts
  • Hands-on training with tools like Excel and financial analysis software

Investment Banking Courses Fees

Investing in your career starts with choosing the right certification. The investment banking certification offered by CIBOP is recognised globally, providing a competitive edge in the job market.

Investment Banking Courses Fees

The course fees for CIBOP vary based on the learning mode. The total course fee is INR 160,000. There are options to pay the fees in instalments as well.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Investment Banking Operations?

Investment banking operations includes managing the processes and systems that support trading, settlement, and compliance in financial institutions.

  • How long is the CIBOP Course?

The course duration is flexible. CIBOP is a 3-month full-time conducted on weekdays and a 6-month part-time program conducted on weekends. For further information, please contact Imarticus Learning’s nearest centre.

  • What is the average salary in Investment Banking Operations?

The salary scale differs for a career in investment banking operations. The average starting salary can be in the range of INR 6-15 LPA. However, it also differs for various job roles and the hiring company. 

  • Is CIBOP globally recognised?

Yes, it is globally recognised. 85% of CIBOP graduates are placed in top-notch financial institutes with salaries up to INR 9 LPA. 

  • Why choose the investment banking course from Imarticus?

Imarticus Learning’s professional courses in finance and investment banking courses prepare learners to be successful investment bankers in India. The institute helps them with building networks and master investment banking. 

  • What is the eligibility to pass the investment banking course and apply for placements?

Domain, Soft-skills, Aptitude and Excel are the three course modules. Candidates must score a minimum of 60% of each in these modules with a requirement of minimum 75% attendance throughout the course to be eligible for placements. 

Conclusion

Every finance professional who want to lead their investment banking career, Imarticus Learning is the key to your success. The CIBOP course comprises a thoughtfully designed curriculum, great trainers, hands-on experience along with a job guarantee that makes it the ideal stepping stone for seeking high-paying jobs from this fast-paced industry.

So, whether you are a newcomer about graduating out from the campus or generally being a relatively experienced professional in your own stream, entering the CIBOP course by Imarticus Learning can be a game-chaning experience for your career. You can have a video guide of CIBOP here

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with our team and elevate your career with our Certified Investment Banking Operations Professionals Course today!

Here’s How To Get A Foothold In The Investment Banking Operations Industry

Here’s How To Get A Foothold In The Investment Banking Operations Industry

Investment banking is a type of banking that focuses on helping people and corporations with capital raising and financial guidance. They serve as a conduit between security issuers and investors and a resource for new enterprises seeking to go public. If you’re looking to break into the investment banking operations industry, you’ll need a strong foothold. 

Here’s how to get started.

1. Understand the industry and what it takes to be successful.

Before you can even think about breaking into investment banking operations, you need to understand what the industry is and what it takes to succeed. Investment banking is a high-stress, high-stakes field, and it’s not for everyone. You’ll need to be able to work long hours, handle complex challenges, and make quick decisions.

2. Get a degree in finance or economics.

If you want to work in investment banking operations, you’ll need a degree in finance or economics. These are the two most important subjects when working in the industry. A degree in business or accounting may also be helpful.

3. Get experience in the financial world.

You’ll need to have experience in the financial world to break into investment banking operations. This means working in a bank, an accounting firm, or a financial institution may be helpful. Experience in customer service or sales may also be beneficial.

4. Network with other professionals in the industry.

Networking is key to breaking into any profession. When it comes to investment banking, you’ll want to network with other professionals in the industry. This could include bankers, accountants, and other financial professionals. It’s also important to attend industry events and meet-ups to learn more about the profession and make connections.

5. Develop your skills.

To be successful in investment banking operations, you’ll need to develop your skills. A strong foundation in finance and law is essential, but you’ll also need to work efficiently under pressure and manage intense deadlines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as you’ll regularly interact with clients and other professionals.

To break into the investment banking operations industry:

  • Start by interning or volunteering at a financial institution.
  • Build your skills and knowledge by taking finance courses and networking with professionals in the industry.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to the field by pursuing professional certifications.

Learn investment banking courses with Imarticus Learning

The Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional program will give students a good start on their investment banking careers. Students will be well-prepared for success in banking operations, treasury, and clearing services at all production levels thanks to this 180-hour program.

 Course Benefits for Learners:

  • Students will learn how to manage complex securities and derivative products, their trade-life cycles, and the roles involved in investment banking operations.
  • With over 8,000 placements completed and a pay increase rate of 60%, students may get the support they need to start their investment banking careers.
  • After finishing the CIBOP course and related assignments, students will get an industry-recognized certificate.

How to Traverse the Web of Investment Banking Operations

An investment banking career is one of the most prestigious professions in the banking space because it guarantees a lucrative remuneration, infinite growth potential, and scope to work in leadership roles. Every year hundreds of graduates and experienced professionals seek to enter the investment banking space in various roles.

This article aims to simplify the web of investment banking as well as discuss career paths in investment banking operations.

What is Investment Banking all about?

Despite its high demand as a career option, the most commonly asked question is this – what is investment banking all about?

Investment banking is a division within the larger ambit of a bank or a financial institution that connects investors with corporations, governmental bodies like municipalities, and large institutions. Investment banks offer operational, transactional, legal, and advisory services to their high-profile clientele with complex financial needs.

Investment banks provide a range of services to their clients, such as:

  • Underwriting
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Sales and trading
  • Asset management
  • Equity research
  • Managing stocks and shares
  • Commercial and retail banking

Contrary to popular perception investment banking is not a single job. Rather, it is a huge segment within the banking ecosystem within which several departments and jobs exist. The various roles within investment banking can be categorized into:

  • Front office functions (revenue-generating and client-facing roles)
  • Middle office functions (overseeing compliance and risk management)
  • Back office functions (managing the entire organization’s operations)

Who Is An Operational Investment Banker?

An operational investment banker, more commonly referred to as an operations specialist, is responsible for ensuring efficiency, accuracy, profitability, and risk reduction vis-a-vis the clearance and settlement of transactions for the company’s clientele. Operations staff provide support to the client-facing departments. They are also responsible for the smooth functioning of IT solutions and data management systems deployed across the organization.

The responsibilities of an operational investment banker include:

  • Processing and settlement of financial transactions executed by front-office teams
  • Efficient logging and accurate processing of transactions within prescribed timelines
  • Developing and maintaining automated systems for fast and precise processing
  • Initiating and overseeing processes
  • Aiding in maximization of efficiency and profitability

Needless to say, an operational investment banker plays one of the most crucial roles in any investment banking firm. Without the operations staff, no process or transaction can go through in a safe and efficient manner. Entry-level staff in this niche are often hired as analysts and undergo a one to two-year on-the-job-training program and formal learning where they are taught administrative and business skills along with a deep dive into the company’s software systems.

How To Have A Career In Investment Banking Operations?

Like any other investment banking role, getting into operations can be challenging because of the competitiveness that exists in the field. On average, companies receive a minimum of hundred applications for each vacancy. Due to this reason, it is vital to have a competitive edge over other candidates to land a decent job in investment banking operations.

Candidates with a degree in finance or a valuable investment banking certification stand a better chance when it comes to being recruited. Companies also regard apprenticeship or internship experiences in operations with high value. Similarly, having an MBA degree in finance from reputed institutions also ensures significantly higher chances of getting recruited into top management positions in investment banking operations.

Conclusion

A career in investment banking operations provides high levels of personal and professional growth, stability, and lucrative financial rewards. It is one of the most important and sought-after career paths in the banking industry and valuable expertise to acquire if one seeks to climb up the rungs to top leadership positions.

best investment banking courses with placement in IndiaThe journey begins with upskilling oneself to suit the requirements of an investment banking operations career.

For that, an investment banking certification course like this Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional course is a good place to start.

Gain Expert Insights & Discover Bespoke Solutions for your Investment Banking Operations Needs

The global investment banking industry is experiencing a boom, which means that the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. Investment banking is a fast-paced, demanding job where you’ll be working with highly knowledgeable individuals. You will need to have the right skills and knowledge of the industry to succeed in this field, making it an excellent career choice for anyone who wants to work in finance.

With so many new opportunities opening up every year, now is the perfect time to start building your professional network and getting ahead on your plans for a successful career.

This blog post will provide you with insights into gaining expert knowledge to land your dream job as an investment banker!

Why Should Investment Banking be your Career Choice?

The investment banking industry has seen a boom in the last decade. The world is moving towards digitization, and so are all industries along with it. Investment banks deal in stocks, bonds on both the macroeconomic level of the country and the microeconomic level of a company. All transactions between two companies or even countries need an intermediary to ensure a smooth process that ensures better growth for the economy and trade relations between countries/companies etc.

This role can be fulfilled by only an investment bank with proper research resources for analysis at its disposal. They use these insights to advise clients accordingly, ensuring the best decisions leading to maximum returns from the said transaction(s). This ever-growing demand for executives within this field has led many professionals across various sectors to change careers and join investment banks.

This is the perfect time for you to grab this opportunity as an Investment Banker, especially with so many openings in various fields like equity research analyst, corporate finance associate, or mergers & acquisitions banker, etc. While working your way up through each hierarchy of different job profiles, there is no dearth of opportunities waiting for you.

Key Skills required for Investment Banking Job

Analytical skills: A banking job requires a lot of number crunching. You need to make sense out of volumes and tonnes of data, analyze it within no time, sift through important information and facts from the irrelevant ones ensuring that you provide actionable insights.

Communication skills: Investment banking professionals are required to write reports for their clients in order to provide them with valuable insights and help them in decision-making.

Attention to details: Investment banking requires a lot of focus on minute and important tasks because the smallest error can lead to millions of dollars in losses for your company.

Networking: Investment banking is all about building relationships, you can have the best ideas, but if you don’t know who to sell it to or introduce your client’s needs and services into the system, then no one will ever come across them. It’s all about knowing who to talk to and how.

Problem-solving skills: Investment banking professionals are expected to have good problem-solving skills as they need them regularly to produce accurate reports, analyze data, assess client requirements, etc.

Start a Lucrative Investment Banking with Imarticus Learning

Imarticus Learning Institute offers an investment banking course that imparts knowledge, skills & techniques which are necessary to succeed in today’s competitive financial world. This comprehensive training program is designed by industry experts who have years of experience and exposure in the field.

best investment banking courses with placement in IndiaIf you’re looking forward to jumping start your investment banking careers with exciting job opportunities, then Imarticus Learning’s course is your best place to start!

For more insight, connect with us through the Live Chat Support system or visit any of our training centers based in – Chennai, Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Gurgaon.

How Automation is improving Employee Experience in Investment Banking Operations?

Automation is not a distant dream anymore. Most of the industries already started using automation to reduce the human workforce, reduce the workload on the human workforce and make the regular repetitive activities more efficient.

best investment banking course with placement in IndiaThe investment banking sector also stepped in to explore the world of automation and how they can utilize it.

When you are looking for an Investment Banking Career, you should know how automation impacts it. Relevant investment banking courses can provide you the knowledge you need.

Investment banking is one of the most rewarding careers however this industry demands long working hours, sometimes till late-night and also on weekends. In spite of efforts from banks, this scenario hasn’t changed a lot. As a solution, many banks started implementing automation to reduce the workload for their employees.

The advantage is that automation has convinced more banks to implement automation in the maximum possible areas.

In recent days, what many companies are preferring are citizen-led automation programs. Citizen-led automation or citizen automation basically enables a non-technical user or a user with limited technical expertise to create simple automation for themselves or their department as needed. This automation feature proved to be extremely beneficial for the bank and their employees, which is the true essence of automation.

With the help of citizen-led automation, the employees are now capable of using low-code tools and they have the basic knowledge of building automation to perform many of their day-to-day activities. The bright side of automation doesn’t end here.

Employees can automate many of their tasks which are otherwise very difficult and time-consuming when performed manually. Through extensive use of automation, employees are empowered to focus on higher-value tasks for the banks which they were not able to pay much time and attention to before automation, thereby causing benefits to the bank like never before.

Banks demand authenticity in their operation. Many banks still doubt the authenticity of automation programs. There exists a common perception among many banks that these citizen-led automation programs are not worth investing in. However, reality speaks otherwise.

Within any industry including banks, there are hundreds of activities that are repetitive in nature and still performed manually. There’s no point in investing in dedicated teams to perform all these activities when all these tasks can be automated.

Equipped with citizen development, employees are building automation and front-office teams are freeing themselves from hundreds of hours previously spent on repetitive tasks. Below, a few cases from the investment banking sector, which are getting automated or can be automated.

Prepare trading reports: Automation bots prepare reports with charts and trading elicited from 3rd party data providers and send them to analysts.

Preparing presentations: Automation bots help build presentations by adding dates and titles, comparable company metrics, market performance charts, and other relevant data points.

Generating public information books: Bots pull company details, press releases, research, and news articles from various sources and merge them into a single PDF document.

Consolidating working group lists: Bots navigate across multiple applications to assemble relevant client information and input it into a formatted document that the team can use further.

Formatting earnings models: Bots work across various worksheets to transfer data from prior quarters into the current quarter’s data and prepare earnings releases.

Handling workflow change requests: When the bankers request workflow changes every time they are to start working on a new project. But an automated bot accommodates changed workflow requirements easily.

Conclusion

Considering the extreme workload in the investment banking industry, automation is a sign of hope. Slowly investment banks are inclining more and more towards automation.

If you are building an investment banking career and considering taking the best investment banking course with placement in India, you may need to pay attention to automation as well because automation is the future.

Confused? Check Out These 10 Key Concepts to Understand in Investment Banking Operations

Do you want to start learning about investment banking but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. The following list covers the top 10 most important concepts in this field. It would help you get familiar with the jargon used by investment bankers and start learning easily.

After all, investment banking is a great area with many possibilities of growing professionally. However, some concepts might be hard to crack. Let’s begin understanding these simple but essential concepts:

Top 10 Investment Banking Concepts

·         Stock

A stock represents ownership of a share in a company. When you buy a company’s stock, you buy a small fraction of that organization which is called a share.

·         Equity

Equity refers to the value of an asset after deducting all the liabilities on the same. Owning a stock entitles the owner to a proportion of the company’s profits and assets equal to the amount of stock he/she possesses, hence it is also called equity.

·         Financial Instrument

A financial instrument is a virtual or real document that represents a legal agreement of some monetary value. It can be debt-based or equity-based. There are many subcategories of each kind of financial instrument as well.

·         Derivative

A derivative is financial security whose value relies upon an underlying asset (or a selection of assets). The underlying asset (or assets) is called a benchmark. Popular examples of financial derivatives are interest rate swaps, options, and forward contracts.

·         Asset

An asset is a resource that has an economic value that an individual, organization, or country owns. The owner of an asset controls it with the expectation of receiving a future benefit through appreciation in its value. An asset can benefit the owner in multiple ways depending on its nature.

·         Liability

A liability is something a company or a person owes to another party. Examples of liability are accounts payable, loans, bonds, accrued expenses, deferred revenues, and mortgages.

·         Debt Finance

When a company borrows funds from institutional investors or individuals to handle expenditures or working capital and promises to pay interest and principal for a set duration, it is called debt financing. In other words, when a company finances its operations by taking on debt, we call it debt finance.

·         Boutique Banks

Boutique banks are investment banks that specialize in a minimum of one aspect of this field. Some prominent boutique banks are Allen & Co. and Charles Schwab.

·         Bond

A bond is a financial instrument that represents a loan taken out by an organization. Bonds allow companies to raise capital by borrowing funds from investors rather than banks.

·         Security

Security refers to a negotiable and fungible financial instrument that has some value. Security could be a stock, option, or bond.

How to Start an Investment Banking Career?

Starting an Investment banking career is easy if you have the right resources. Recruiters in this industry look for certified professionals who are adept at various economic, business, accounting, and financial concepts. Investment bankers must also know how to evaluate corporations to forecast their future performance and make decisions accordingly.

The best way to start your career in this field is to find the right courses for investment banking and join one of them. You should choose one that lets you learn online and test your skills through projects and assignments while teaching you all the required concepts.

By and large, investment banking is a broad subject with many concepts and skills. We recommend checking out the CIBOP program, which is among the most popular courses for investment banking in India. It will help you learn all the concepts we discussed in this article along with additional subjects and technologies.

Related Articles:

Top Investment Banking Trends To Watch In 2021
Does Corporate Finance Excite You, Here Are Some Investment Banking Courses Which Will Help You Achieve Your Goals
How Good Is Investment Banking As a Career

Investment Banking: All the Stats, Facts, and Data You’ll Ever Need to Know

So, you are looking to enter into the world of investment banking. Sitting on the fence would make no difference in your life. Making a career in investment banking is lucrative, but it comes with a cost. You have to work hard to understand what role the investment banking experts who deal with carrying out many financial analyses for their companies and work hard on financial models to help groups to make capital. Pursuing investment banking courses and developing expertise in this field can give a whopping salary of 80,000 USD per month or more. If you are interested in making a career in investment banking, check the following investment banking career facts and stats that are worthy of knowing about this domain.
Investment banking is not for people with finance majors 
Of late, a number of investment banks and institutions are hiring people with engineering and computer science background as they have the experience and knowledge of coding. So, if you feel discouraged, then keep in mind that there are companies who hire people from another background as well including the ones with investment banking certification and having backgrounds of literature, science, finance, blockchain, etc.  In other words, one of the investment banking career facts is that you can have any educational background to enter into this field.
Crack the quant interview to find a job
You must have heard about the interviews being conducted for the consulting jobs, these remain specialized. Similar is the case with the people opting for the Investment banking career. Once you complete your investment banking certification, your employer would ask to crack the quant interview.
These are the tests to judge your quantitative aptitude along with checking your knowledge regarding the technical subjects along with valuation or accounting. You may be asked to define certain financial statements along with putting the analysis of the same, while other interviewers would ask you to crack some brain teasers and ask them to solve it under pressure. Remember the investment banking career facts before you go for the interview.
Career in Investment Banking- Losing grounds
Though pursuing the Investment banking career is rewarding one interesting fact is that people are losing their interest in this field. The fact is people these days do not want to take up investment banking training. As per the reports of Harvard Business School in 2015, only 4 percent of students said they are looking for a career in investment banking. In fact a number of people working in investment banking are shifting to the Fintech world considering the bright future of Fintech. This has also reduced the admission in various investment banking courses.
The Revenues are also going down
If you check the latest figures in the domain of investment banking, the picture isn’t that rosy. The biggest investment banks in the world have witnessed a constant decline in revenue, which has started falling since 2016. As per reports, it has gone down from 79 billion USD in the first quarter of 2016 from 94 billion USD. This constitutes to around 15 percent, which is enormous in two years. As per the industry experts, this is regarded as the steepest decline in this sector ever witnessed before after 2009 when the revenue has gone down by 25 percent. So as compared to the other sectors, more and more people are looking out.
Long working hours under constant pressure
One of the vital investment banking career facts is that you have long working hours in this sector, which is not the case with other finance jobs. The work here is more challenging and complex and can give you a tough time working in this domain. As per reports of TransparentCareer, the average working hours of professionals in Investment Banking is around 77 hours, which is 11 hours a day in week.
Wrapping up
There are many more investment banking career facts, which are required to check before you decide upon entering into this career. However, don’t be discouraged if you find any negative thing about this career as there are many more lucrative things to enjoy in this field.

6 Books About Investment Banking You Should Read!

The field of Investment banking is highly specialized. In this domain, the financial entities are called investment banks that financially support the public and private corporations issue equity and deal with the debt securities. Investment banking also helps in facilitating corporate restructuring, along with mergers and acquisitions are commonly known as M&A and thus carry out a wide range of complex transactions.

If you are looking for the top books written on this subject, you have landed at the right place. Let’s check the top 6 Books About Investment Banking You Should Read as under:

      • Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers And Acquisitions -By Joshua Rosenbaum & Joshua Pearl

        This book is a complete Investment banking book, which brings all the technical concepts accessible to the readers. The authors have used a simple step-by-step method to explain the concepts of investment banking which include the study of the viability of a corporate sale, buyouts, and M&As.While explaining the concepts of investment banking and corporate finance, this book gives a stable foundation to the readers to get a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing ideas methods, and procedures found in the investment banking field.

  • The Business Of Venture Capital – By Mahendra Ramsinghani
    It is a complete book for people who are into the venture capital business. This book caters to people who are keen on exploring the meticulous art of boosting up venture funds, value creation, structuring investments, and studying exit pathways.This book helps people practicing in this area as they get the details of everything including sourcing investment options and carrying out the due diligence for negotiating various investments. It is the best companion to people who are into venture capital business and help you in getting detailed views about the leaders in this world on this subject.
  • Investment Banking For Dummies – By Matthew Krantz & Robert Johnson
    This book is an excellent work in the investment banking field, which has a simple to understand approach when the authors have described the basic banking concepts and their day-to-day application in this real world. It starts with investment banking and its standing in the current market along with its role in M&As, critical corporate decisions, and buyouts.The authors have explained the role of investment bankers along with the way they work to make things happen. The book’s core focus is to develop a decent understanding of the main banking concepts and their practical implications like issuance of bonds & stocks, valuation of companies, and developing a financial model that makes things work.
  • Financial Modeling & Valuation: A Practical Guide To Investment Banking And Private Equity – By Paul Pignataro
    It’s a complete guide for doing precise stock valuations seeking the help of financial modeling. The authors have explained these concepts seeking complete length and practical illustration overvaluation of the Wal-Mart with the help of financial modeling. It helps in developing a good skill of developing a good financial model for stock valuation. It also talks about the conventional valuation methods carried out by professionals.
  •  Investment Banking Explained: An Insider’s Guide To The Industry- By Michael Fleuriet
    This book gives insight into the investment banking operations industry and discusses in detail the way things work in this domain from the perspective of a veteran. It starts with the basics like key industry terms, strategies, and structures. The authors in the book have explained the broader concepts of this field like changing the perspective of the risk, leading firms, and methods of managing the same.It talks about the role of professionals like traders, financial brokers, fund managers and relationship managers, and others. You will get an insight into investment banking along with giving relevant information.
  • Investment Banks, Hedge Funds, And Private Equity -by David Stowell 
    The book has unleashed the complex relationship between investment banks and private equity and hedge funds. It also discusses the way the financial companies seeking the help of innovative business strategies sustained during the global meltdown of 2007 and 2008.It also addressed the impact over the financial companies and the way these have attracted the investor funds and strengthen their corporate power.

Conclusion

For the professionals working in the field of investment banking or the people who are keen on making their career in this field, they can find a wealth of literature on investment banking with these six books on this subject.