#ib guide

27/07/18

Hello! Thank you for your ask :)

You were probably already introduced to them but there are couple things that I find quite challenging as an IB student. In Grade 11, I struggled the most with time-management for all of the assignments. Compared to MYP (I go to a school with full IB system), the number of assignments you have to complete in the given time is exceedingly high. You will be having to manage all of them along with all the CAS requirements and EE research. Also, I would say that my end of year exam for Grade 11 was tough. Even though it’s only 6 subjects, the number of topics you have to revise is painful.

I recommend you to leave as much time as possible to finish assignments (if you take English A, this is important) and revise constantly to prepare yourself for cumulative exams. (Use as many textbooks as possible!) I think many people have told you already but don’t leave your CAS reflections and EE research process until the very end. Clear those out first and leave time for the main classes. It is really good for you to become used to revising because IB finals will be literally everything. (im still scared)

The best part of IB, although there are legit so many things you have to do, you get to study the subjects you really like and most importantly, you get to experience the tough time of everything raining on you before you get to university. Honestly, I think IB is much harder than the first year of university (im hoping this is true), it prepares you so much. 

Don’t stress out too much and enjoy your best in Grade 11, be prepared for end of year exam! By the time you realise, so many things will be over and completed :) 

Types of Investment Banking is one of the most important topics if you’re trying to understand how modern finance actually works in 2026. Whether it’s IPOs, mergers, or raising billions in capital, investment banks are the backbone behind these massive financial moves. And in India right now, this space is growing faster than ever.

If you’ve ever wondered how companies raise huge amounts of money or why big mergers happen, you’re basically looking at investment banking in action.

So, What Is Investment Banking Really?

At its core, investment banking is about connecting money with opportunity.

These firms help:

Companies raise capital (equity or debt)

Businesses merge or get acquired

Governments manage large financial operations

Investors find the right opportunities

Unlike normal banks, investment banks operate on a much larger scale — we’re talking crores, billions, and cross-border deals.

The 3 Main Types of Investment Banks

Not all investment banks are the same. They differ mainly based on size, deal type, and clients.

1. Bulge Bracket Banks (The Giants)

These are the biggest global players.

Handle billion-dollar deals

Work with multinational corporations

Offer everything: M&A, trading, research, asset management

Examples: JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley

👉 Best for: Big-picture exposure and global careers

2. Middle Market Banks (The Growth Experts)

These banks focus on mid-sized companies.

Deals typically between ₹500–₹5,000 crore

More hands-on exposure

Strong presence in India

Examples: Kotak Investment Banking, Axis Capital

👉 Best for: Learning end-to-end deal execution

3. Boutique Investment Banks (The Specialists)

These firms focus on niche areas.

Industry-specific (like tech, healthcare, fintech)

Strong expertise in M&A or advisory

Smaller teams, bigger responsibility

Examples: Avendus Capital, Spark Capital

👉 Best for: Deep specialization and faster learning

Key Services in Investment Banking

Once you understand the types, the next step is understanding what they actually do.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

This is where companies buy, sell, or merge with others. Investment bankers:

Value companies

Negotiate deals

Structure transactions

Equity Capital Markets (ECM)

Helping companies go public through IPOs or raise equity.

Debt Capital Markets (DCM)

Instead of selling shares, companies borrow money via:

Bonds

Structured debt

Green bonds are especially booming in India right now.

Corporate Advisory

Not every job is a transaction.

Sometimes banks:

Help restructure companies

Advise on expansion

Guide long-term strategy

Sales & Trading

This is the fast-paced side:

Buying/selling stocks, bonds, currencies

Managing liquidity for clients

Investment Banking in India (2026 Snapshot)

India’s IB space is exploding right now.

Key trends:

Rising IPO activity

Startup funding growth

Expansion of GIFT City

Increase in cross-border deals

Top players include:

Kotak Investment Banking

Avendus Capital

Axis Capital

Morgan Stanley & Goldman Sachs

ICICI Securities

Choosing the Right Career Path

Here’s where it gets personal.

Different roles suit different personalities:

M&A → Strategy + storytelling

DCM / Trading → Numbers + speed

Bulge Bracket → Global exposure

Boutiques → Deep specialization

The biggest mistake people make?  Choosing based only on salary instead of fit.

The Role of Technology in Investment Banking

2026 investment banking is not just finance — it’s tech + finance.

Major shifts:

AI-driven financial modelling

Automated pitch decks

Predictive deal sourcing

Blockchain in bond issuance

Real-time ESG tracking

Translation:  The job is getting smarter, faster, and more competitive.

Final Thoughts

The different types of investment banking aren’t just categories — they define your entire career path. Whether you want to work on billion-dollar mergers or help startups raise funds, there’s a space for you.

The key is to start early, build real skills, and understand where you fit in this ecosystem.

If you’re researching Investment Banking Companies in India, you’ve probably noticed how fast this space is growing. With startups booming, IPO activity rising, and global investors entering the Indian market, investment banking has become one of the most exciting career paths in finance today.

Whether you’re a student or someone planning a career switch, understanding how this industry works can give you a serious edge.

Why Investment Banking in India Is Growing Fast

Over the past few years, India’s financial ecosystem has expanded rapidly:

More startups are raising funding

IPOs are becoming common

Mergers and acquisitions are increasing

Global banks are strengthening their India presence

This growth means more opportunities across top investment banking firms, boutique advisory firms, and even startup-focused deal teams.

What Do Investment Banking Companies Actually Do?

At its core, investment banking is about helping companies make big financial decisions.

Here’s what these firms typically handle:

Raising capital (through equity or debt)

Managing IPOs

Advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

Helping companies restructure financially

Connecting businesses with investors

Think of them as strategic financial partners for companies.

Top Investment Banking Companies in India (2026)

India has a mix of global giants and strong domestic players.

Global Investment Banks

JP Morgan

Goldman Sachs

Morgan Stanley

These firms handle large international deals and offer global exposure.

Leading Indian Investment Banks

Kotak Investment Banking

Axis Capital

ICICI Securities

JM Financial

SBI Capital Markets

These dominate IPOs, capital markets, and Indian corporate deals.

Boutique Investment Banks

Avendus Capital

Spark Capital

These firms often work closely with startups and mid-sized companies, offering more hands-on experience.

Services Offered by Investment Banks

Most firms operate across key areas:

1. Equity Capital Markets (ECM)  Handling IPOs, rights issues, and public offerings.

2. Debt Capital Markets (DCM)  Helping companies raise money through bonds and structured debt.

3. M&A Advisory  Guiding companies through acquisitions, mergers, and exits.

4. Private Equity & VC Advisory  Helping startups and growth companies raise funding.

5. Restructuring  Supporting companies in financial distress.

Career Opportunities in Investment Banking

The career path usually looks like this:

Analyst (entry-level)

Associate

Vice President (VP)

Director

Managing Director (MD)

Types of Roles:

Sector roles (Tech, Healthcare, Finance)

Product roles (M&A, ECM, DCM)

Execution vs client-facing roles

Each path offers different learning and growth opportunities.

Salary in Investment Banking (India — 2026)

Here’s a realistic snapshot:

Analyst: ₹6L — ₹20L+

Associate: ₹20L — ₹40L+

VP: ₹50L+

MD: ₹2Cr+

Bonuses can significantly increase total compensation.

Skills You Need to Break In

To succeed, you need both technical and soft skills:

Technical Skills

Financial modelling

Valuation techniques (DCF, comps)

Excel & PowerPoint

Soft Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Bonus skills like Python or SQL are becoming increasingly valuable.

How to Get a Job in Investment Banking

Here’s a practical roadmap:

Choose a relevant degree (B.Com, BBA, Economics, MBA)

Learn financial modelling and valuation

Do internships (even small firms help)

Network actively (LinkedIn, alumni)

Prepare for technical interviews

Consistency matters more than shortcuts here.

How Investment Banks Support Startups

Investment banks play a huge role in startup growth:

Help raise VC/PE funding

Structure deals and valuations

Prepare companies for IPOs or exits

With India’s startup ecosystem growing, this area is becoming a major opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Investment banking in India is no longer limited to a few elite institutions — it’s expanding across sectors, cities, and company sizes. With the right skills, persistence, and exposure, breaking into this field is very achievable.

If you’ve ever come across terms like Market Mix Modelling and wondered how they connect to real-world finance careers, you’re already thinking in the right direction. Today’s finance world isn’t just about numbers — it’s about understanding data, markets, and big decisions that shape companies.

And that’s exactly where investment banking comes in.

What Is Investment Banking (In Simple Words)?

Imagine being the person who helps companies:

Raise money

Sell parts of their business

Merge with other companies

Decide how much they’re actually worth

That’s investment banking.

It’s less about saving accounts and more about handling deals worth crores.

Why Do So Many People Want This Career?

It’s not just about the salary (though that’s a big factor).

People choose this path because:

You learn extremely fast

You work with top-level professionals early

You get global exposure

You’re involved in major business decisions

It’s intense, but also exciting.

The Reality (No Sugarcoating)

Let’s be clear:

It’s competitive

It requires long hours

It demands consistency

This is not an “easy money” career. But if you stick with it, the rewards are huge.

Step-by-Step: How to Actually Get In

1. Start With the Right Background

Go for something like:

B.Com

BBA

Economics

Finance

You need a strong base in numbers and analysis.

2. Think About an MBA

An MBA is not mandatory, but:

It helps you move up faster

It opens doors through campus placements

Especially useful if you want to reach Associate or higher roles.

3. Learn the Core Skills

You must know:

Financial modelling

Valuation techniques (like DCF)

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Extra advantage if you learn:

Python

SQL

Finance is becoming more tech-driven.

4. Certifications Help You Stand Out

If you’re not from a top college:

CFA

FRM

These show you’re serious and skilled.

5. Internships Matter More Than You Think

Try to get:

At least 1–2 internships

Exposure to real projects

Most companies hire from their intern pool.

6. Networking Is Everything

This is where many people fail.

Talk to seniors and alumni

Use LinkedIn smartly

Ask questions, not just for jobs

Referrals can change everything.

7. Apply for Analyst Roles

This is your entry point.

Be ready for:

Technical questions

Case-based interviews

Fast thinking

Skills You Need to Survive

Technical Skills

Financial modelling

Data analysis

Excel mastery

Soft Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Ability to handle stress

Even a small mistake can have big consequences in this field.

Salary Snapshot (India — 2026)

Analyst: ₹6L — ₹25L

Associate: ₹15L — ₹40L

VP: ₹40L — ₹70L+

MD: ₹2Cr+

Bonuses can make a big difference.

What’s Changing in 2026?

Finance is evolving fast:

ESG (sustainable finance) is growing

AI is reducing manual work

Data skills are becoming essential

It’s no longer just about calculations — it’s about insights.

Tips to Get Ahead Faster

Master Excel shortcuts

Read financial news daily

Keep your resume short and sharp

Practice interviews regularly

Be mentally ready for long hours

Final Thoughts

Breaking into this field takes time, effort, and the right strategy — but it’s completely achievable if you stay consistent.

Start small:

Learn one skill

Do one internship

Build one connection

That’s how it begins.