A career with investment banks in corporate finance can mean earning high base salaries, regular commission, and year-end bonuses, depending on the role. However, working for financial institutions could also mean working long hours in a high-pressure, high-stress and fast-paced environment, where decisions can have significant positive or negative consequences for investors and investment banks. You could secure a job with a title such as investment banker, investment banking analyst, risk officer, portfolio manager, and eventually managing director or vice president.
So, if you are a student looking to enter investment banking, a junior investment banker looking to progress and earn more than a national average salary, or already in the category of senior professionals aiming for the highest salaries, we have invaluable data to share with you. Our insights include career advice on how to earn more and the average salary firms pay for positions such as investment banker and investment banking analyst.
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How Much Investment Bankers Get Paid - Investment Banking Salaries
- Investment Bank Salary FAQs
- All Investment Banking Salaries
Highlights And Key Takeaways:
- How much do Investment Bankers make UK? An Investment Banker has an average investment banking salary, UK, of £48,540 per annum.
HOW MUCH INVESTMENT BANKERS GET PAID - INVESTMENT BANKING SALARIES
Here are the investment banking salaries for the most popular investment banking jobs:
RISK OFFICER PAY
The average salary of a Risk Officer is £39,800 per year. A Risk Officer is responsible for identifying, assessing and monitoring potential risks a company or organisation may face. They develop strategies to mitigate and manage risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
FINANCIAL SPECIALIST PAY
The average salary of a Financial Specialist is £42,000 per year. A Financial Specialist provides expertise and advice to clients regarding various financial products and services, such as investments, insurance, taxes, and retirement planning. They assess clients' financial needs and goals and recommend suitable achievement strategies.
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PRIVATE EQUITY ASSOCIATE PAY
The average salary of a Private Equity Associate is £85,700 per year. A Private Equity Associate works with a private equity firm to evaluate and analyse potential investment opportunities. They conduct due diligence on target companies, prepare investment proposals, negotiate terms, and monitor investments to maximise returns.
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INVESTMENT FUND MANAGER PAY
The average salary of an Investment Fund Manager is £77,900 per year. An Investment Fund Manager oversees the management and performance of investment funds. They research and analyse investment opportunities, make investment decisions, and communicate with investors about the fund's performance.
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INVESTMENT MANAGER PAY
The average salary of an Investment Manager is £40,900 per year. An Investment Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of investments on behalf of a client or organisation. They investigate and assess investment opportunities, raise capital, make investing decisions, and monitor the performance of investments to ensure they align with the client's investment goals.
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PORTFOLIO MANAGER PAY
The average salary of a Portfolio Manager is £35,100 per year. A Portfolio Manager oversees the management of a collection of investments on behalf of an individual or a company. They analyse the investment goals and risk tolerance of the client and make investment decisions accordingly. Additionally, they monitor the performance of the investments to ensure they align with the client's expectations.
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FINANCIAL SERVICES SALES AGENT PAY
The average salary of a Financial Services Sales Agent is £29,400 per year. A Financial Services Sales Agent sells financial products and services, such as investment accounts, insurance, and retirement plans, to individuals and businesses. They assess clients' needs and goals and recommend suitable products and services.
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FUNDS ASSOCIATE PAY
The average salary of a Funds Associate is £80,800 per year. A Funds Associate works for an investment management firm and oversees the administrative and operational aspects of investment funds. They manage investor accounts, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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TREASURY CONTROLLER PAY
The average salary of a Treasury Controller is £79,800 per year. A Treasury Controller manages a company's cash flow, liquidity, and financial risks. They develop strategies to optimise cash management, manage financial risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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FOREX TRADER PAY
The average salary of a Forex Trader is £82,200 per year. A Forex Trader buys and sells currencies in the foreign exchange market to make a profit. They analyse market trends and economic data to make informed trading decisions and manage risks.
HEDGE FUND MANAGER PAY
The average salary of a Hedge Fund Manager is £114,800 per year. A Hedge Fund Manager manages a hedge fund, which is a type of investment fund that uses complex investment strategies, to generate high returns. They research and analyse investment opportunities, make investment decisions, and communicate with investors about the fund's performance.
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STOCKBROKER PAY
The average salary of a Stockbroker is £86,800 per year. A Stockbroker buys and sells securities, such as stocks and bonds, on behalf of clients. They provide advice and guidance to clients regarding investment decisions and help them achieve their investment goals.
TRADE FINANCE SUPERVISOR PAY
The average salary of a Trade Finance Supervisor is £21,900 per year. A Trade Finance Supervisor manages trade finance transactions for a company or organisation. They oversee the process of financing international trade, such as issuing letters of credit, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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FUND ADMINISTRATOR PAY
The average salary of a Fund Administrator is £38,300 per year. A Fund Administrator manages the administrative and operational aspects of investment funds. They manage investor accounts, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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HOW MUCH DO INVESTMENT BANKING JOBS PAY?
Most investment bankers have an average base salary of £46,730 per year. The starting salary for an investment banker, including most graduates (associate level), is approximately £25,000 per annum. The highest salary for an investment banker is £94,400 annually, with a few people earning enough money to rival Wall Street salaries.
The total compensation and salary for an investment banker might also include many other elements, such as a signing bonus, deferred compensation, year-end bonus, stub bonus (stub bonuses are a partial year-end bonus for individuals or graduates who join part way through a calendar year), monthly bonuses, and quarterly bonuses.
Investment banker salaries vary by job title and also location. Most banks in the capital pay above the national average salary for an investment banker, although the cost of living is also greater. Base salaries are excellent in cities such as Sunderland, Wakefield, Reading, and Bradford.
HOW TO EARN MORE IN INVESTMENT BANKING
We recommend following our investment banker career advice to advance your career and earn a better base salary and bonus as an investment banker. Our career advice resources include free CV templates and advice on how to ask for a pay rise.
You may earn a higher investment banker or investment banking analyst salary in the investment banking sector through:
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Age: An investment banker will earn more as they gain maximum experience, which usually occurs in the age bracket of 40-49
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Geographical location: Investment banker salaries vary by region, so we recommend checking the average salary for areas such as Inner London, Outer London, and cities excluding London across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
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Qualifications and skills: Career progression is often linked to your education and earning new qualifications, certifications, and associations (CFA Institute/Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment/Chartered Financial Analysts Society UK) can help you secure a salary rise or promotion
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Work for the largest investment banks: You could seek out opportunities with other banks financial institutions, such as Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, or Goldman Sachs
Begin your job search here if you seek one of the highest-paid jobs in the UK.
INVESTMENT BANK SALARY FAQS
Here we answer your questions on investment banker salaries and pay.
HOW MUCH DO INVESTMENT BANKERS GET PAID UK?
Investment bankers in the UK can earn substantial amounts of money, with their salaries depending on various factors such as their level of seniority, the size and location of the firm they work for, and the specific type of banking they engage in. According to our data, the average salary in investment banking in the UK is approximately £46,700 per year, with entry-level positions paying around £25,000 and experienced bankers earning up to £94,400 or more. Additionally, investment bankers can also receive substantial bonuses and other perks, such as stock options, that can further boost their overall compensation.
WHICH INVESTMENT BANKING JOB PAYS THE MOST?
Within the field of investment banking, several roles tend to be the most lucrative in terms of pay. These include investment fund manager who can earn average salaries of £70,500 or more. Other well-paying positions in investment banking include fund associates, private equity associates, and asset managers.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO GET A JOB IN INVESTMENT BANK?
Getting a job in investment banking can be challenging, as the industry is highly competitive and sought-after by many ambitious professionals. Typically, candidates for investment banking positions need to have strong academic backgrounds, including degrees in business, economics, or finance, as well as relevant work experience and professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Additionally, networking and making connections within the industry can be key to securing a job in investment banking, as many firms prefer to hire candidates who come recommended by someone within their network.
WHAT IS THE INVESTMENT BANKER SALARY LONDON?
The average base salary for an investment banker in London is £61,439 annually. This figure, however, is just a part of the total compensation, which can also include bonuses, health insurance, and, in some cases, a signing bonus. Investment bankers in London often see their earnings significantly enhanced by bonus levels, reflecting their performance, the success of their deals, and the overall profitability of their investment banks. The competitive nature of the industry in London, a leading global financial hub, means that compensation packages are designed to attract and retain top talent, offering a lucrative financial incentive alongside comprehensive benefits.
IS INVESTMENT BANKING A GOOD CAREER IN UK?
Investment banking is considered a highly prestigious and rewarding career in the UK, allowing professionals to work on significant financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and large-scale financing projects. Beyond the attractive average base salary and potential for substantial bonuses, investment banking roles come with various benefits such as health insurance and, occasionally, a signing bonus. The industry is known for its demanding environment but also for providing immense opportunities for professional growth, learning, and networking. For those with a strong work ethic, excellent analytical skills, and a keen interest in financial markets, investment banking can be a highly satisfying career path, albeit competitive and challenging.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE INVESTMENT BANKER SALARY UK FOR FIRST YEAR EMPLOYEES?
For first-year employees, the average investment banker salary in the UK is £24,900. This entry-level compensation reflects the beginning of a career path that can lead to significantly higher earnings as professionals gain experience and expertise and progress to more senior roles within investment banks. First-year investment bankers typically receive a base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits such as health insurance. As they demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to the success of their teams and transactions, they can expect to see increases in their total compensation, including bonus levels and potentially other incentives.
HOW MUCH DO INVESTMENT BANKERS MAKE IN SENIOR ROLES?
In senior roles, investment bankers can earn up to £97,240, with total compensation potentially reaching even higher figures when including bonuses and other benefits. Senior investment bankers play crucial roles in leading transactions, managing client relationships, and guiding strategy within their firms. Their compensation reflects the high level of responsibility, expertise, and impact on the success of the investment bank. Bonus levels for senior roles are often substantial, recognising these professionals' significant contributions to generating revenue and ensuring the bank's competitive position in the market. The financial rewards at this level and the prestige and professional satisfaction of working on high-profile deals make senior investment banking roles highly coveted.
ALL INVESTMENT BANKING SALARIES
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