Los Angeles is home to some of the top investment banks and financial institutions in the US. As a major economic and financial hub on the West Coast, LA offers great career prospects for aspiring investment banking analysts. From boutique banks to Wall Street powerhouses like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, LA investment banks advise clients on high-value IPOs, M&As, capital raising and more. This article highlights the best investment banking analyst opportunities in Los Angeles.
LA is a premier destination for top investment banks
Many of the world’s leading investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and more have major offices and dealmaking teams based in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. These banks handle West Coast deals across technology, media, healthcare and other key industries. So investment banking analysts have exposure to complex, high-value transactions from day one.
LA boutique banks offer great exits to PE/HF/VC
In addition to bulge bracket banks, Los Angeles is also home to elite boutique investment banks like Qatalyst Partners, LionTree and Raine Group. These banks have strong tech and media relationships, enabling analysts to work on Silicon Valley and Hollywood deals. Many analysts use boutique banks as a launchpad to top PE, VC and hedge funds.
Prestigious LA universities feed talent pipelines
Los Angeles has an unparalleled cluster of top-tier universities including UCLA, USC, Caltech and others that feed talent to investment banks. Banks heavily recruit out of these target schools. So graduates have an inside track to analyst and associate openings at banks.
LA investment banking compensation is generous
According to Wall Street Oasis salary reports, average first year Los Angeles investment banking analyst compensation exceeds $115,000 at top banks. This includes base salary plus year-end bonus. More senior analysts and associates can make $200,000+ in total comp working on LA deals.
With bulge bracket banks, elite boutiques and a deep talent pool, Los Angeles offers unmatched investment banking analyst opportunities. Analysts work on marquee West Coast deals across technology, media, healthcare and other key sectors while earning generous six-figure compensation packages.