Investment banker
Connect businesses with other companies or wealthy people who have money to invest.
Also known as: corporate investment banker, investment manager, merchant banker
About the job
What it's like
Are you an ambitious person who'd love to work in finance? As an investment banker, you'll help businesses raise funds for expansion and growth by connecting them with companies or wealthy people who have money to invest.
In this role, you'll advise investors on whether they should put their money into a project. Investors are usually rich individuals or companies, like pension funds or insurance companies. Their goal is to invest money in successful projects that will see them earn more money than they initially put in.
When a business tries to buy or merge with another company, you'll examine the proposal to make sure your investors will profit from the deal. Mergers and acquisitions can be very complex – investment bankers must focus on details and process lots of information.
As you make deals happen, you'll work closely with lawyers, accountants, finance officers and chief executives. A good investment banker stays up to date with the latest financial and legal regulations.
You could specialise in a particular type of investment or industry. For example, social investment is a growing area. A social investment specialist connects investors with companies that aren't just profitable, but have a positive impact on individuals, society or the environment.
Investment bankers are persuasive, strong negotiators. You must be confident making decisions involving huge sums of other people's money.
Your tasks might include:
researching markets and finding business opportunities
helping companies plan their long-term strategies or secure funds to set up and expand
deciding when a business should sell shares and helping them set a price
assisting companies as they try to secure loans
suggesting new business deals to companies and investors
working out the best arrangements for a merger or acquisition
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Investment Operations (SIO) – check out the industry body that represents investment operations employees across Scotland's financial sector
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – learn more about careers with the United Kingdom's financial regulator
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment – explore this global body for securities, investment, wealth and financial planning professionals
getinto.finance – discover pathways into financial careers across Scotland
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Investment banker'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
-
Company secretary -
Finance manager
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-
Finance, law and professional services
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- negotiating
- making decisions
- filtering
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Accounting
-
Business
-
Business in Practice
-
Economics
-
Maths (Mathematics)
-
Skills for Work: Financial Services
-
Statistics
-
Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services
-
Foundation Apprenticeship: Accountancy
-
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most investment bankers have a degree. Although, it's possible to move into this career if you're already working in financial services.
Let's explore the routes you can take.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Finance
Economics
Accounting
Mathematics
Business
Engineering
Employers will expect you to have completed an internship while at university. You should try to secure your internship with a bank, financial advisory firm or 'Big Four' corporate finance company. The 'Big Four' refers to the four largest global professional services and accounting networks: Deloitte, PwC, Ernst and Young and KPMG.
Sometimes, the company you intern with will hire you once you've graduated. Otherwise, you'll apply for graduate schemes once you finish university.
Use the My World of Work course search to find the right degree for you.
Work
Many people build their career in a corporate finance role then move into investment banking later. Likewise, it's common for chartered accountants to transition into investment banking.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Accounting
Business
Financial Services
Economics
Speaking a second language can be an advantage, as investment bankers often work across global markets and with international clients.
For some investment banking roles, you'll need an in-depth knowledge of a specific industry. For example, you may be expected to know about energy production, engineering or life sciences to work in these areas.
Depending on your position, you may need to meet Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulatory requirements or study relevant professional qualifications.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Investment banker'
