Commercial Banking Puns

What is the typical exit from commercial banking?

I’m currently working as an analyst in Corp Fin and have two final round job interviews coming in the next week. One is in Corp Finance, and this role would be a promotion to Senior Analyst for me. The other is in Commercial Banking, which would be a lateral move to analyst.

Both pay about the same, but I’m confused whether to take the Corp Fin or Commercial Banking job. Both are at renowned F500 companies, I would not mind working for either.

I currently have CFA L2 under my belt, and it seems that CFA is almost completely irrelevant to the career path in CorpFin. My current company said no to paying for the CFA L3 because the upper management thought it is irrelevant. The commercial banking job, on the other hand, is an analytical role incorporating portfolio management role on commercial loans. I feel like my CFA would be valued more at the Commercial Bank vs CorpFin.

In terms of job function, I’ve worked a few finance jobs now and I don’t feel like I’d be more passionate about one over the other. Purely a question of career path/salary growth/exit opps.

Does commercial banking have better career path and exit opps than corporate finance? I feel like since I’d be working with a lot of leveraged buyouts and the transactional nature of businesses, I’d be able to switch into IB/PE much better than I would from CorpFin.

Is Powell going to drop the bomb tomorrow

I feel IB and PE get the limelight in this sub and the salaries are fairly well outlined on many posts and other websites such as Glassdoor, yet CMB and CB seem to be a bit more vague.

If you could feel you could provide any numbers or facts on the progression, starting salary, pay structure with a specific title or firm alongside that would be really insightful. Thanks!

I also from the UK so any insights into CMB/CB in London would be especially appreciated.

Hey all, received offers from both. Which one should I choose and what would your advise be?

Citi Pros: Good progression(salary and learning), get to rotate to different departments, get to become an RM very early on, good brand name

Deutsche Pros: Slightly higher starting (although progression more uncertain), Corporate > Commercial, better exit opps

Hi everyone. I fell into the Big 4 IT audit trap thinking it was actual advisory for my college internship last year. I’ll be graduating this spring. After my finance course load, I’ve decided to pivot over into finance. I have an offer at a smaller bank for a credit analyst role, though at a 15% pay cut vs my return IT audit role.

My question is: is it worth the switch? How does career progression work between credit analysis onwards at a less prestigious bank? This position seems like a good idea as it is an entry level position as someone without a finance internship, though at the entry level, would working at a Big 4 be more beneficial for my career down the road? My biggest fear, of course, is pigeonholing myself.

I’d appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

I am a finance undergraduate student in Canada who received an offer from one of the Big 5 banks to work as a Commercial Banking Credit Analyst Intern this summer. This will be my first co-op experience in Finance. I'm wondering about a couple things:

1. How much of the position is client-facing versus individual versus working as a team?
2. Is it common for interns to be hired after they graduate? I would love to hear from someone who was hired by a Big 5 for an intern position and accepted a full-time offer afterwards.
3. I'm quite confused about commercial versus corporate banking. Most corporate banking divisions seem to be under capital markets. I assume they deal with higher net worth businesses? What is the difference?
4. What is the approximate compensation range if I was a new grad being hired into a Credit Analyst position within Commercial Banking?

Thanks everyone and looking forward to your responses!

While grabbing a burrito at my favorite restaurant/gas station/convenience store/check casher here in central AZ, I struck up a conversation with the owner in regards to their Verifone card terminals and if they planned to use them to accept crypto any time soon. The owner regretfully informed me that he would enthusiastically accept crypto. The only problem is that all the banks he has tried have threatened to freeze his assets if he did business with crypto. He even had to shut down his crypto ATM.

Does anyone know of any crypto friendly banks that are willing to do business with all of the following categories: restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and check cashing. All of the banks he has tried either have policies against dealing with crypto or check cashing. Is there any way this guy can keep all his income streams while also being a part of crypto acceptance? The requirements are friendly towards all above businesses, while allowing businesses to deal in crypto, and operate in Arizona, United States.

Hi Reddit,

I'm a 26 year-old Credit Analyst working for the Commercial Banking department of a large national bank (D-SIB) in Europe. Our team covers clients with revenues between EUR 150 - 350 million and 'more complex' smaller clients, such as leveraged buy-outs etc. Our team is divided into 8 client servicing teams, each headed by a relationship manager. The relationship managers have multiple people working for him/her, such as credit analysts (like myself), transaction bankers and treasury specialists. Whenever a client has or wants bank financing, I'm involved in the process.

I've been doing this job for approx. 2 years now and my manager has let me know that she's happy with my development and performance. As a reward for my hard work they've allowed me to pick a training/certificate/educational programme to my liking at their costs.

I'd like to hear your recommendations for trainings and certificates. I hold a master's degree in Financial Economics. Since working for this bank I've completed the following (internal) courses:

• Introduction to Credit Risk Analysis

• Advanced Credit Risk Analysis

• Introduction to LMA

My job's responsibilities include:

• Analyzing companies' (both existing and new relations of our bank) business model and performance to decide if/how we want finance their funding need

• Writing credit reports and submitting them to the credit committee for new loan originations

• Writing credit reports and submitting them to the credit committee for annual credit reviews

• Drafting and reviewing financing agreements and security docs based on internal standards or LMA standards

• Monitoring existing portfolio (checking financial ratio's, analyzing quarterly figures, etc.)

So far, I've been recommended the CFA Course and Moody's Credit Risk Programme. While I like that CFA is an internationally recognized course that holds weight. I dislike that the course material seems rather US orientated and large parts don't seem relevant to my current job, but more focused towards analysing investments rather than credits.

Are there any alternative courses you've followed or have heard about that you'd recommend to me? In my job I especially like the leveraged lending clients, because of the higher risk/reward and extra time you get to perform in-depth analysis.

PS: apologies in advance for any grammar mistakes and types. I'm not a native speaker.

So just a bit of background from me, I've been trying to break into commercial/corporate banking, applying to credit and risk analyst positions and have been given a few interviews but haven't gotten an offer. I got pretty deep in the interview process for one regional bank in a Midwest US LCOL area. I feel like I'm having a hard time overcoming my lack of finance background. I sat for CFA L1 in November, barely missed MPS and will sit again in May. I don't have a business degree from undergrad as well, which I think is hurting me. My question for you guys is, should I try and use a MSF to try and break in? Could I apply to the analyst programs at banks if I do the MSF and crush it, or do they not accept MSF students? I've thought about an MBA, but not sure it's right for me although that summer between year one and two would be great for landing an internship. I'm not trying to break into IB/PE here, and while I know commercial and moreso corporate seats don't have as much movement because of WLB, pay, etc. it seems like these roles have been impossible for me to break into regardless of networking.

Thoughts on this?

Hey guys I’m considering picking Commercial Banking next, I’ve heard that the hours aren’t as harsh as investment banking, & I think that’s a perfect fit, would love to work around 60 hours a week.

Hi all! I have recently completed the first round of interviews for a commercial banking internship. It was a set of pre recorded questions, and were the basic why do you want to work here and who are you questions. I have a current internship where i work closely with clients who wish to get approved for SBA loans and i help them by forecasting and building financial models with reasonable assumptions and making sure they have a debt coverage ratio, as well as an updated prime rate and adjusted cash flows. I think this prepared me well for a commercial banking internship, but i didnt get very technical with my first round of answers, just focused on why i wanted to work there and found a project I liked. Is this good? What do you all think my chances are to get to the second round? do you guys recommend any other opportunities or banks? I have a 3.9 GPA studying finance and economics and will have been interning at my current job for 8 mos by the time summer 22 hits.

Positive? Negative? What could you do on the internship to give my self the best chances to ‘lateral‘ before it gets hard to lateral.

I think it could be a definite positive if you excel within the role and display the similarities between the workflow and maybe target a division of IB like Sales which could be more relatable to the very deal based structure CMB has.

I’d really appreciate some insight! Thanks.

I’ve posted on this and other forums about Commercial Banking and being a Credit Analyst, which is usually the first step. I’ve received several DM’s and always happy to answer questions.

That being said, I thought about creating a Guide that would talk through what a Credit Analyst does, how to interview for it, etc. As much as I would do this out of the goodness of my heart, I would probably charge something small for it. We’re in finance to make money.

Question/feedback. What do you want to see in the material? This wouldn’t be a replacement for what you learn on the job, more of an intro to it all. Would text or videos be more beneficial?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: For those who have asked or DM'd me, this won't be done anytime soon. Several work items trying to get done before Year End and have some personal travel (finally). I'll see what I can do over the holidays.

Would love to hear views on JPM Commercial Bank - Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries Analyst Program vs Citi Commercial Bank Associate Program.

I understand one is analyst vs. associate role but considering culture, long-term comp, exit ops, WLB, and clientele. Which do you think has more upside?

Comp offered: JPM- Analyst: $82k + $4-12k (bonus range) Citi- Associate: $110k (bonus not specified)

Hello everyone. I am graduating from University this semester, and I wanted to ask for help in deciding between a few job offers I've received. As of earlier this week, I accepted a commercial banking analyst position in a HCOL city with a solid base salary and benefits. However, today I received an offer from EY Business Consulting that offers a similar base. I am really struggling on deciding between these two offers as I really like the culture of the bank whose offer I have accepted an would hate to renege. However, I understand that EY has a very strong reputation and could potentially be a great launchpad for my career going forward. Any advice this sub could offer would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

Needing to think outloud here. I have a few years experience in a specialized vertical that not many banks successfully compete in. There is one, 3000 pound gorilla in the industry. Was reached out to and one of their Directors is retiring next year and wanted to gauge my interest. I said yes, and in passing later that day, my manager mentions "Looks like XXX is retiring next year". I immediately go, "So they reached out to you too?" and we both laughed. I do have a great relationship with my manager so it wasn't anything conflicting.

I wouldn't say this is a dream position, because I have done very well at the current bank I am at, but this is like top of the top.

I've been a top producer, but obviously my manager has been a top manager because of that. Ive been in Commercial Banking for 12 years, my boss 20. I'm trying to think of ways that would make me more appealing than him. I know for sure he would take this job if offered.

Thoughts? Anyone successfully done this before?

Looking for advice/perspectives on a potential career transition from operations at a BB to commercial banking role (middle market) at another BB.

I'm currently in an Ops role at a BB (analyst) and I actually enjoy it. I'm in a MCOL city and while the pay isn't stellar, I have a good lifestyle. The team culture is great and I don't work more than 50 hrs/week. BUT the career trajectory in Ops is limited and I am already starting to get an itch for more interesting work. I think switching now (rather than 1-3 years) might be the best decision.

The CB role would be an instant $35k+ raise but is in a HCOL city. I will still come out ahead with the COL increase but have never lived in a dense city and am somewhat hesitant.

I would appreciate thoughts regarding Middle Market Banking and what some pros/cons are. Is this a no-brainer, or am I missing something?

It's not an opinion, it's a fact.

I’m a current MBA student with 4 years experience in corporate finance. My undergrad major was Finance. I’ve received several offers for internships in corporate finance roles but now Im getting interview requests from banking roles. Since these offers are guaranteed and have acceptance deadlines, I wanted to know if anyone had experience working in corporate finance and later moving to banking? I don’t want to pass up on these offers and end up not landing any of the banking role. At the same time some of my later life goals would be greatly helped by having a banking experience/network

I've got two Commercial Banking offers (both among JPM, BOFA, CITI, or WF).

One's for CRE and the other ABL. Both are in NY, and compensation is about the same.

Which offer should I take and why? How many hours can I expect within each group?

I want to pursue a credit analyst role in commercial banking as my first job, I am even interested in accepting lower positions in that field to transition in. I have no work experience relevant to this, just a finance degree. What do people who got these roles recommend me putting on my resume and knowing for interviews in order to land a spot?

Banks always make those weird af commercials right?

Erste bank: You give us money, we save your money. Nobody can touch it except you. We've been doing this for 100 years, thus we are traditional and safe, you may involve your family in your personal wallet... or don't. We are airtight and discrete. Come in for more information on the banking services we offer. Here's our phone number XXX-XXX-XXX, we work every day except on weekends, where we keep open one morning shift to do your banking duties.

Intesa bank: Chiiiiiiiilaaaax. Just pay quickly and easily with our food delivery services. If you have errors with our "Intesa experience" app on the play store.... we offer"

2012 - 2015= "Our personalized, stress free banking services with highly trained personnel, who also double as your personal advisor on any business or family related banking disputes. Join now, we're always free for stopping by if you have banking questions*.

2019 - 2021= FOOD! You want food? In a timely manner? NO PROBLEM! Just pull out your Intesa experience card, put our magnet close to the paying device. And when you hear the signal, the transaction is complete! Come to our cozy offices just pulsing with community spirit, and make use of all of our available services as you see fit. We're always opened to questions*²

*Legal calls are redirected towards our official bank.

*²Legal calls and complaints about our banking services are redirected towards our official bank headquarters.

Hey guy, what are some exit opps for someone in this role with CFA charter in Canada? Thanks.

Hello everyone , I am being moved into the second round of interviews for commercial banker development programs at several banks. I am very excited. I anticipate these to be more technical in nature as opposed to the previous one which focused on me.

Can anyone provide technical questions I could be asked. Any resources to study? I really want a job lined up when I graduate college in December.

About me:

P.Eng w/ 7.5 years WE and soon-to-be MBA grad. Using MBA to pivot out of industry to banking. Held a commercial summer role at one of the big 5 and got poached by another to join FT once I graduate in 2022 as a Sr relationship manager at $90K base (is this good value? I wasn’t sure if I left money on table).

As someone with no finance background I personally am looking forward to learning the financial institution and banking world. I come from a Business Dev / Sales / Project Mgmt role so am very comfortable in client facing situations. But a part of me can’t help but feel like I will eventually want something more stimulating than wining and dining clients and the basic understanding of financial statements (I could be wrong and there’s a lot more technical stuff that go into commercial).

My question is has anyone successfully made the transition out of commercial to something like corporate banking in Canada? I don’t care for IB as I have a young family and value my work/life balance. I also understand i may just enjoy the work life balance as a SRM but can’t help but wonder what other possibilities exist.

Thanks

I have a couple years of experience in industry and public accounting as a CPA and I’m interested in making a move into commercial banking for long-term better pay and work-life balance. I also don’t like accounting to the point where I could make a career as one.

What’s your experience with commercial banking and could this be a good career for somebody to go into with a CPA background who is interested in finance while not wanting to develop ED by age 30?

I am a senior at a non target school with a 3.7 GPA. I did some door to door sales and my last internship this summer was in FP&A. I want to do commercial banking and have applied to a ton of places but haven't been getting a whole lot of traction. As the end of this semester approaches, I am a noticing a lot of the banks have already picked their candidates by now. I am trying to talk to alumni from my school and get my resume in front of the right people but it just seems like it might be too late to get one of those credit analyst training program jobs for 2022 summer after I graduate.

Do I still have time to find a decent commercial banking role for after I graduate? If so what strategy should I implement to get interviews?

My current strategy is just to poke around on LinkedIn for alumni from my school and try to get a phone call with them discussing the role and then hope that they go to bat for me and get my resume in front of the hiring manager. Is this a viable strategy to get interviews?

Im not exactly a crazy introvert, but I honestly get very tired after talking for a long duration of time. I don't like presentations nor do I like having huge meetings with people every single day. What roles within CB can I get into that has no interactions and not very salesy?

These are the 3 options I'm looking at right now for my junior year internship. My considerations are pay and career progression. These are my current pros and cons:

Unilever - Oddly the intern pay is higher than HSBC's - I'm wondering if Fortune 500 pays better than banks

BofA - I think I'll learn technical skills at this role, more so than HSBC. However, it is a very backend role - wonder if that will affect career opportunities when I apply for a full-time role.

HSBC- What I am leaning towards right now but I'm worried commercial banking won't teach me any technical skills that I can use to pivot to anything else. Friends have been recommending me this though.

I'm not sure if I have the right idea, any help will be appreciated!

Hello, I received a superday for PNC Commercial and Corporate Banking coming up and I was wondering if anyone had any idea Of the technical questions that would be asked. Thanks

Like the majority of accounting students, i was influenced into thinking i should get a public accounting job (if big 4, better). Then exiting into some back office accounting role (think financial analyst, internal audit, controller, or even CFO)

How come i never heard of commercial banking as a potential career path here? Imo (after networking with some cbankers) commercial banking sounds pretty relevant to accounting since i would be analyzing financial statements, creating ratios and some financial modelling even. Even the manager i networked with says the work is very very accounting heavy.

Hello everyone. I am in my final semester at University and have been fortunate enough to received two job offers. One is in the Wells Fargo FAP program, and another is as a commercial banking associate at a smaller bank. Starting comp is about a ~$5K difference with the associate role paying more. However, the associate role is at a considerably smaller bank which has grown substantially over the last decade or so. Both roles offer a comprehensive training program, but from what I understand the FAP program is more in-depth and runs longer. I am having a hard time choosing between the two roles as I think that I would enjoy both, but I am unsure which would be best for my long-term progression.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts.

Hi, I have a second-round interview for a Commercial Banking Associate position for new grads next year. I have been studying the 5C's and credit ratios (liquidity, coverage, profitability, & leverage), but want to know what other things I can study to prepare. From what I have heard this interview is with a VP and I should prepare to answer "specifics on how would you decide whether or not to lend to a company". Could someone help me understand how to apply the 5C's/credit ratios and what further analysis is used when determining whether or not to lend? Thanks in advance!

I know a lot of people on here say commercial banking jobs are easier to get out of uni than IB, but that feels like somewhat of a blanket statement considering how many different roles there are at a commercial bank.

For example, is working in the retail banking sector more attainable than working in the corporate/institutional banking sector? Does the pay differ between these sectors?

How does working in the IB sector of a commercial bank differ from working at a traditional BB?