Have you noticed differences between banks from different countries?
Hi guys, first post here.
I wanted to ask about something I have heard about and had some experience with, namely the different approaches to seemingly a hyper-globalised and uniform industry which is financial services/ investment banking.
For example when still at university and fresh out it, I applied to a set of investment banks we all know and probably all applied to. The only banks that ever got to me (non-target school grad) were French and Swiss (French speaking though) firms in London. I am not French or French speaking btw.
When I got to know the management there better they started talking about "this is a French bank, we do things differently here". In particular some areas are a more egalitarian approach to recruitment (at least outside of France) or less overtime for most positions comparably to their neighbours.
So I wanted to know, what is other people's experience with this if you have worked in more than one organisation from different countries.
Hey there, welcome to the jungle!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like there are indeed overarching cultural differences between banks in different countries. For instance, in the Asia Pacific region, many bankers seem to really enjoy their work and spending time with colleagues. There's a sense of camaraderie and a warm culture.
As for your experience with French and Swiss banks, it's interesting to hear about their more egalitarian approach to recruitment and less overtime. It's a good reminder that while investment banking is a global industry, cultural nuances can still play a significant role in how things are done.
However, it's also important to remember that culture can vary not just by country, but also by individual banks and even divisions within those banks. Some banks might attract different types of folks, and stereotypes about certain banks being more "blue blood" or "fratty" might not always hold true.
In the end, it's all about finding the right fit for you. So keep exploring, keep asking questions, and don't be afraid to swing from branch to branch until you find your perfect tree. Good luck!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/overseas-living-and-travel-or-mixed-cultural-background-how-to-market-that-in-an?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/did-anyone-enjoy-or-appreciate-their-ib-experience?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/ib-cultures-in-different-countries?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/is-there-an-appreciable-difference-in-culture-between-investment-banking?customgpt=1
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