Investment Banking for Beginners: What You Need to Know

Did you know that the average investment banker makes more than eighty thousand dollars a year? And that’s before any bonuses that they receive.

Not only is it possible to make a big difference in the world as an investment banker, but you can also make a lot of money. Unfortunately, many people choose not to pursue these types of careers because they don’t understand what is investment banking. 

To help you make sense of what it’s all about, we’ve created this guide. If you want to learn more, read on and we’ll tell you what’s important to know. 

What Investment Banks Do

Most people have no idea what investment bankers do. They know that it’s an important career, but they aren’t certain why this is. 

It’s incorrect to think that investment banking is all about greedy people in business suits who think about nothing else except their next investment opportunity. This is because more and more people are choosing to take ownership of their own financial futures by making investments in assets that will increase in value. 

In most situations, this involves developing relationships with investment bankers. While traditional banks mainly take deposits and lend money to people and companies, investment banks sell securities. 

It’s common for investment banks to invest the profits from these securities into big projects that traditional banks might consider to be too much of a risk. Here are some of the most common kinds of projects that investment banks tend to get involved in. 

Offering Finances for Big Projects

Many investment banks invest their money in large infrastructure projects such as building roads and bridges. These kinds of projects need huge amounts of money to complete. Investment banks invest money into these projects with the belief that they will generate revenue once they’re completed. 

Investing in Companies

It’s common for young companies to seek help from investors. Even though many company owners invest their own money to start their companies, this isn’t usually enough. This is why they often choose to create an initial public offering (IPO).

The basic idea behind an IPO is for a business to sell itself to the public. It’s the job of investment bankers to find investors who want to buy securities from these companies. 

Mergers or Aquisitions

When it’s in a certain company’s interest to acquire or merge with another company, they seek help from investment bankers to seal the deal. Investment bankers often provide companies with the financing they need to acquire or merge with other companies. 

Managing Assets and Offering Brokerage Services

One of the fundamental goals of investment bankers is to make investments in areas where it’s likely to bring returns. They often do this by acquiring clients who trust their investment bankers to manage their money. Investment bankers do this by choosing individual stocks or by finding mutual funds. 

The Demographics of Investment Banking

Just like other forms of banking, the investment banking industry is dominated by white men. Less than twenty per cent of members of boards of directors are minorities. Less than thirty per cent are women. 

Most people who work as investment bankers know that this is an issue. This is why it’s becoming more common for banks to create diversity programs. The aim of these programs is to seek-out qualified women and minorities to work for their companies. 

How to Get Your Start as an Investment Banker

Since it’s important for investment bankers to know how to make deals, they need to know how to sell themselves. This means that you need to know how to convince people to hire you if you want to become an investment banker. 

At the very least, it’s essential that you have a bachelor’s degree in business or economics from a respected school. Most investment bankers also have advanced degrees in business and mathematics. 

It’s also important to be a good networker if you want to become an investment banker. Most people get started by becoming interns at reputable firms. 

What Are the Best Investment Banks?

The biggest investment banks are JPMorgan, Barclays Bank plc, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and UBS. There are also hundreds of smaller investment banks that do business in countries around the world. 

Most of the largest investment banks generate revenues of more than a billion dollars. Clients of the largest investment banks include retail companies, hedge fund managers, and governments. People with pension funds or who have investments also indirectly do business with investment banks. 

The Difference Between Investment Banks and Retail Banks

Retail banks usually work with individuals by taking in their deposits. In exchange for putting your money into a bank, these people accrue interest on their savings. Retail banks also lend money to people who need to do things such as buy a new house. 

Investment banks work mainly with large companies that need lots of capital. If you run a start-up or a small business, chances are that you’ll do business with commercial banks rather than with investment banks. 

In most situations, investment banks do not do business with individual clients. They are more likely to invest in large companies and projects. 

What Is Investment Banking: A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

If you’ve been wondering “what is investment banking?” it’s important to understand how different investment banks are from retail banks. While most retail banks do business with individual clients, the majority of investment banks invest in large projects and corporations.

If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to check out the other informative articles that we’ve included in our Banking dropdown. Regardless of whether you own a business or are an individual investor, we have many helpful resources. 

Investment Banking vs. Retail Banking? What’s the Difference

Whether you prefer to bank online or at a physical location, there are a few differences between retail and investment banking. The investment banking world deals with high prices and high levels of competition. Retail banks are generally volume-driven.

In fact, the investment banking market is expected to reach just south of $140 billion in the next few years.

Regardless of the amount, both provide necessary financial services for customers big and small. Curious to know more about the differences between the two? Continue reading for an overview of the key differences between them.

Retail Banking

When you picture a physical bank, you’re most likely picturing a retail bank. These retail banks provide a way for the general public to conduct their everyday banking needs onsite. Some of the basic services offered at a retail bank include:

  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Personal lines of credit
  • Mortgages
  • Auto loans
  • Credit cards

The main services utilized at a retail bank generally relate to checking and savings accounts to deposit and withdraw funds. Retail banks also allow consumers to build their credit via credit cards or auto loans.

While physical branches do exist, more and more retail banks are moving online.

Investment Banking

Investment banking falls under the corporate banking umbrella. It generally serves a different clientele. They focus on an institutional client base as opposed to individuals.

Investment banks serve institutional needs and provide advisory services related to capital markets. Some of these areas include:

  • Equity markets
  • Bond markets
  • Portfolio management
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Equipment lending
  • Syndicated loans

Investment bank services operate on a larger scale in terms of complex transactions.

Main Differences Between Them

In terms of financial services offered, some of the main differences between the two can be broken down as follows. A few differences relating to retail banks include:

  • Catering more toward the general public
  • Managing lesser sums of money
  • Granting access to individual services

A few services for investment banks include:

  • Catering to larger institutions
  • Handling complex sums of money
  • Providing corporate services

These may be overly simplified summations. However, both types of banking handle a variety of finance-related transactions. Some are at the consumer level, and some are at the corporate level.

When to Choose an Investment Bank

For corporate mergers or startup company IPO launch preparation, investment banks and bankers are heavily involved.

Whether it’s a public company or a private one, choosing the best investment bank can make all the difference. This helps to obtain a successful financing deal, valuation, or initial public offering.

Having the right team behind a transaction will help. First and foremost, it helps determine whether a deal gets completed. Investment banking teams exist to help companies navigate through the complex and often unwieldy process of something like an IPO. They are trained to manage complex projects with transparency and efficiency.

The operations of a team of investment bankers could be divided into three functions:

  • Financial advisors
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Research

Operations of Investment Banking

A normal bank facilitates transactions at an individual customer level. Investment banks facilitate transactions for businesses and institutions. The transactions themselves are more unique when it comes to investment banking, thus bringing in the need for specific teams to complete said transactions.

Financial advisors provide a strategic outline of short-term and long-term business goals. They also provide a thorough understanding of industry trends and global markets.

Investment banks also facilitate mergers and acquisitions, which involve estimating a company’s valuation. The process ultimately ends in price negotiation and facilitation of the acquisition itself.

The Role of Research

Investment banks also have research divisions that provide investment advice for clients. The research branch is able to advise clients by keeping on top of knowledge in areas such as:

  • Credit research
  • Fixed income research
  • Macroeconomic research
  • Quantitative analysis

Research teams are highly knowledgeable. A good research team is well-sought after by companies during the process of financing a deal.

To Summarize

There are many differences between the operations of retail banking and investment banking. One of the key differences to remember is the type of client to which services are offered.

Retail banking, in general, exists to offer financial services to individuals. Investment banking is geared toward commercial or corporate use.

Investment banks exist to expand products offerings and increase market shares. They work as intermediaries between financial markets and organizations. Responsibilities also include:

  • Helping issue shares of stock
  • Counsel during the pre-underwriting stage
  • Counsel during securities distribution stage
  • Examination of financial statements
  • Organizing prospectus information for potential investors

Retail banks provide customer service and financial advice on a more individualized level. Retail banks also provide underwriting services for products such as home mortgages and auto loans. Retail banks provide a way for the average customer to deposit cash, withdraw funds, and extend credit.

An Investment in Banking

From mergers to everyday cash deposits, banking systems today accommodate a wide range of clients and services. The world of banking saw many changes as a result of the global pandemic. Markets shifted from previous patterns. Previously in-person transactions moved online.

However, both investment banking and retail banking do have one commonality that remains the same. They exist to serve their clients and their clients’ success.

If you found any of the above information helpful, be sure to check out any of the additional articles we have listed in our Banking dropdown. We offer plenty of resources for businesses and individuals alike.

How Much Do You Need To Invest in Real Estate?

In an overwhelming majority of countries, real estate costs continue to rise due to low-interest rates and supply chain disruptions. 

Yet, while housing prices are sky-high, investing in real estate has never been easier. You might think buying real estate is only for the wealthy, but you would be wrong. 

The truth is, you can start buying real estate investments for as little as $1,000. Don’t believe me?

Then keep reading as we explore the question, “How much do you need to invest in real estate?” We guarantee it’s feasible for you. Besides, one of the best investing tips is to diversify your portfolio, which real estate will help you do. 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

The cheapest way to invest in real estate is through a REIT. They allow you to invest in real estate without the actual real estate. 

What does that mean?

REITs are similar to mutual funds as in they are securities. Investors trade REITs on major exchanges like stocks. REITs own commercial real estate like:

  • Apartments
  • Hotels
  • Office buildings
  • Retail spaces
  • Shopping malls

Most REITs specialise in a particular type of real estate or specific region. 

REITs offer a high dividend and a liquid way to invest in real estate. In addition, it’s easy to reinvest dividends to grow your investment further. 

When investing in REITs, experts say to stick with publicly-traded REITs, which you can buy from brokerage firms. 

As mentioned, you can invest in REITs for $1,000! 

Real Estate Investment Group (REIG)

If you’re an investor who wants to own physical real estate rather than shares of a company, then you may want to consider an REIG. 

An REIG allows you to buy one or more units in an apartment or condo building via an operating company. The operating company manages and markets the units. Then, the operating company takes a percentage of the monthly rent. 

REIGS are a cost-effective way to invest in real estate because you don’t have to succumb to the management work. 

Some partnerships accept investments as low as $5,000 or up to $50,000. So while it’s not enough to purchase a property, when several investors come together, they can co-own property and make a profit. 

If you want to invest in an REIG, you want to look for one that pays a monthly cash return on your investment. 

Crowdfunding

Similar to REIGs, crowdfunding is becoming more popular in real estate investing. It allows you to pool your money with other investors to fund commercial real estate investments. 

For example, a developer wants to buy an apartment complex for $3mn, make $1mn worth of renovations, and resell the complex for $6mn. 

The developer can borrow $2mn from the bank and contribute $500,000 of their own money, but they still need $1.5mn for the project. 

They can raise the rest of the capital via crowdfunding. Those who invest will share the profits. You could be one of those investors. Each crowdfunding project has its own minimum contribution. 

A typical contribution amount is $25,000, far less than outright buying a property. 

Buy Property

Of course, you can also buy property as a way to invest in real estate. In general, this will require more money upfront. However, you can buy a property with as little as 3-5% down, depending on the location and lender. 

If you choose to invest in property by buying directly, know that it is time-consuming but can see considerable returns. You can profit from purchasing property in two main ways: becoming a landlord or flipping. 

Rental Properties

Becoming a landlord can offer long-term income and capital growth. But it’s also a lot of work. You need to find and vet tenants, keep up with property maintenance and continue paying the expenses. 

It’s a good investment if you have the time and money to manage the property. It’s even better if you can afford to hire a property management company so you can focus your time on other investing projects.

Fix and Flip

If HGTV is famous for anything, it’s flipping houses. When flipping, you buy a property, revamp it, then resell it. 

The best way to flip properties is to find the unvalued ones. This means looking for foreclosed homes, short sales, and abandoned properties. This is because you want to pay the least amount possible for a property to maximise your return after remodelling.  

When flipping, you go through a different loan process. It’s best to pay cash, but if you need financing, you’ll want to have some wiggle room. Every property has different funding requirements based on its current condition.

If you have enough money to pay cash or put down a large downpayment comfortably, it’s a good investment option.

Fees When Buying

While purchasing a property with 3-5% down is possible, it’s not always the best financial decision. You could be left with a higher interest rate, and your mortgage payments will be bigger. 

If you’re able to put 15-20% down, it’s a better choice to do so. Going into debt to make money requires balance and strategy. Borrow too much money, and you may fail to pay it all back. 

Additionally, when buying a property, you have to remember you’ll be responsible for paying all the fees, not just the mortgage. This includes:

  • Closing costs
  • Property taxes
  • Homeowners insurance
  • HOA fees
  • Maintenance and repairs

If you rent out the property, these fees will remain your responsibility. However, if you sell the property, you won’t have to continue paying them once you sell.

But, you must factor these costs into your budget because you need to pay them as long as you’re the owner. 

How Much Do You Need To Invest in Real Estate, Explained

To invest in real estate, you don’t need a lot of money. A few thousand dollars can help you generate wealth and move on to bigger and better-investing projects.

Rather than pondering the question, “How much do you need to invest in real estate?” take the money you have and find a viable investment. 

If you’re still unsure about getting started, check out our real estate investing for beginners article to help you. 

The Ultimate Guide to Investment Banking

The global investment banking industry has skyrocketed over the past few decades. And it is only estimated to grow higher each year. From a whopping $102.84 billion in 2020 to $11.45 in 2021, this lucrative business has tremendous growth potential.

But you may be wondering – what is investment banking exactly? What do investment bankers do, and how does the process work?

We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about investment banking. 

What Is Investment Banking?

Investment banking is a division of a financial institution that serves corporations, governments, and other institutions. Investment banks are essentially the bridge between investors and corporations.

They help facilitate communication and achieve established financial objectives.

Investment banks carry out the following services:

Underwriting

Underwriting is the raising of capital or funds to support a particular organization. It is typically provided when a company wants to go public or launch its IPO.

Investment banks help companies do this by selling stocks and bonds to investors. This, in turn, benefits businesses because they have the capital needed for day-to-day business operation and growth.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Investment bankers offer advice and consulting for the M&A process as well. They typically aid in the process from start to finish.

What does M&A involve, you may ask. It is a process whereby corporations find and complete buying over another business.

The investment bank here will negotiate the best deal for the client. They will also use their contacts and networks to find growth opportunities.

Thus, investment banking represents both the buyer and the seller in an M&A deal.

Sales and Trading

In this sector, investment bankers act as dealers for the client. They help procure and seal trades to further the organization’s net capital. 

This process can involve matching up various buyers and sellers.

What Do Investment Bankers Do

Investment bankers are financial advisors to corporations, businesses, and governments. Their success is tied to the success of the capital market. Thus, if the economy is doing well, more money will go towards investment bankers and their clients.

They also have a central role in launching IPOs or initial public offerings. They help with closing mergers and acquisitions, managing final company transfers and sales, and issues stocks and bonds.

Skills Required for Investment Banking

Investment banking jobs are high-stress and come with a lot of prerequisites. Following are some essential skills needed to succeed in the trade.

Financing

Every investment banker has to deal with arranging financing. The companies that banks represent will need funding for projects.

Whether it is building a new office or constructing a highway, the chances are that the corporation has used the services of investment bankers.

The bond will get priced appropriately, documented, and then published to become available for buyers.

Negotiation

M&A is a high-pressure situation that is liable to sudden change. Investment bankers need to be able to keep their cool and manage negotiations with ease through it all.

Negotiations can be lengthy with an ongoing series of offers and counteroffers. Thus, bankers are good at practicing fairness and mediation to ensure both parties get a good deal. There is also a fair deal of relationship management involved in the negotiations.

Financial Modeling

On an everyday basis, professionals in this field carry out financial modeling activities. This includes 3 statement models, discounted cash flow models, and more. 

The process involves skills in analysis and research. Bankers need to anticipate future trends and outcomes into present workings as well. The best investment banks carry out a vast range of data analysis practices to provide better value to clients.

Investment Banking Process

The main aim of the process is to raise money. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how the process works, from start to finish.

Selecting the investment banker: Companies will find the right professional for their needs. They evaluate the individuals based on risk, size of funds, strategy, and more.

Brainstorming: The banker shares their insight on the amount to be raised, securities, and more. They also decide on the strategy and offering price.

Underwriting: The underwriting agreement is carried out.

Selling group: All the members of the underwriting syndicate and other parties form a group. They will manage the distribution of assets and determine how they can reach future investors.

Pricing: This is a sensitive issue. A low price can increase interested parties, but it dilutes earnings. A higher price may be a deterrent for investors, but it keeps the profits more solid.

Distribution: The security is distributed to individual investors. This can be done through the form of stocks, bonds, or more.

Stabilizing: Now that the company has distributed its security, it is time to stabilize it. It should arrive at a consistent price by maintaining a firm position in the market. It should also consistently bring in capital for the issuing organization.

Investment Banking Is an Exciting and Fast-Growing Industry

Investment banking plays a vital role in our economy. Whether it is the Wall Street appeal or just interest in the high profile and compensation for the profession, this career is famous for its high growth potential.

We hope this article provided insight into the exciting investment banking field.

Are you interested in learning more about business, finance, and economics? CFI.co (Capital Finance International) is the resource for you! With news, analysis, and commentary on worldwide markets, we have everything you need to stay informed and updated.

Click here to browse through our Finance articles!

Investing in Stocks vs Bonds: A Comparative Guide

Are you interested in investing your money into stocks and bonds? You often hear those two items paired together in a sentence, but what do they actually mean? They are both a form of investment, but the similarities stop there. Both of them have a different level of risks, levels of returns, and daily behaviours that you need to be prepared for. Before you invest, it’s important to know these differences to pick which ones are the best course of action for you. See below for an in-depth guide on stocks vs bonds and how they fit into your investment plans.

What Are Stocks?

Imagine, if you would, that someone brings you a pie they made and sets it down in front of you and 2 of your friends. Let’s say the pie is cut into 8 different slices.

The maker of the pie tells you that each slice is £1 each. So you choose to buy 3 slices, one of your friends buys 3 slices, and the other buys only 2. This is essentially the concept of a stock. 

When you buy a stock, you purchase a small piece of ownership in that company. The more shares that you have in the company, the more ownership that you have over it. 

The goal is to buy shares, wait for them to rise, then sell your investment to turn a profit. 

For example, let’s say you decide to buy £100 worth of shares in Callaway Golf Company (ELY). For the sake of simple math, let’s say that Callaway shares are going for £20, so you end up with 5 shares.

As Callaway grows, so too will the value of your shares. Let’s say that over time, they end up experiencing a 50-per cent. So now, each share is worth £30 apiece. You decide to sell all of your shares for £150. 

By buying your stocks low and selling high, you’ve turned a profit of £50. You bought them for £100 and sold them for £150. You can scan the stock market however you so choose, buying any stocks that you envision a legitimate return for!

What Are Bonds?

Instead of purchasing a piece of the company as you would with a stock, a bond is when you loan out your money to a business. This can help them grow and expand their business, getting their hands on the money they’d need (from you) to do so.

In return, the company you lent the bond to will pay you back the full amount with interest. Unlike stocks, bonds are more of a long-term play. They’ll help you make a bit more money over time. The more bonds you invest in, the more you’ll gain in return.

So let’s say that you buy a bond for £1,000 (just for the sake of simple math). Let’s say it pays you back 1% annual interest over the next 10 years. With that bond, you would make £10 in interest over the next decade. 

When the 10 years has concluded on that bond, you will have made £100 in interest payments that you wouldn’t otherwise have made. 

There are many variables to bonds. You can purchase ones with a duration of only a few days or ones with a duration of several decades. The interest rate varies as well, so be sure to find a balance that you’re comfortable with.

What Are the Risks Involved?

As you’ve already seen in this article, both stocks and bonds can have tremendous payouts for those that invest in them. However, there’s always a potential that either one does not do well, and you lose money on the whole deal. Here’s a bit more insight on that:

The Risks of Stocks

Earlier, we highlighted a scenario in which you would make money investing in shares from Callaway Golf. However, every stock that you purchase has risk involved, some more so than others.

All it takes is one setback from the company you’ve invested in to incur a loss. Back in April 2010, BP was flying high. They were seemingly doing everything right and their stocks climbed up to $60 in US Dollars (approximately 44 British pounds).

Then, almost out of nowhere, the deepwater horizon spill occurred. Over 3.19 million barrels of oil were spread throughout the Gulf Coast. As a result, their stocks fell 55%, meaning that investors lost over half of what they paid to buy BP stock in April.

Granted, most losses are not that significant. By educating yourself and reading investor books, you can limit your losses when you invest.

The Risk of Bonds

The ideology of bonds is sound. You lend a certain amount of money to a growing company, then they pay you back over time with interest. All is fair in the world.

But what if that company goes under before they’ve paid you back? What if they go bankrupt during the term of your bond? You may never get back your full investment entirely.

As you can see with both stocks and bonds, there are risks. However, you can minimize the risks of both by performing thorough research.

In the case of bonds, do your due diligence on any company you lend money to. If they’re shooting for the stars too quickly, they might overextend themselves and leave you to suffer a loss as a result.

Stocks Vs Bonds: Invest Your Money in Both

Now that you’ve seen a comparison of both stocks vs bonds, as well as the differences between the two, it’s time to use that information effectively.

For more financial advice, make sure to read this article on the 5 things that you need to do with your money once you’ve turned 20.

Be sure to circle back on our blog often to receive more information and guidance on economics, finance, banking, and so much more.

5 Key Differences: Commercial Bank vs. Investment Bank

Are you looking into what type of bank will be perfect for you? Deciding between a commercial bank vs. investment bank can be a complicated question. 

Luckily, we’re here to help. Keep reading, and we will discuss the five key differences between commercial banks and investment banks. 

1) Services

First, its important to consider the services the two provide. They offer different things. 

If you’re looking to underwrite new debt and equity securities, selling securities, pilot mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, and or broker trades, then an investment bank is for you

On the other hand, if you’re in the market for individual loans, small business loans, checking and savings accounts, and or certificates of deposit, then you’re looking for a commercial bank. Most people are probably most familiar with commercial banking for their checking and savings accounts. 

Have you figured out precisely what services you are looking for? Large scale or small scale? 

Great, now that we’ve got that covered, let’s look at what kind of expenses and fees we are looking at. 

2) Expenses and Fees

While the dollar amount isn’t a distinguishing factor, it does show some differences. The fees are how the banks make their income. 

Investment banks typically deal with more significant dollar amounts due to having bigger corporations as clientele and higher monetary amounts in investments. Commercial banks handle basic financial transactions, which can get higher in monetary amounts, but usually equally a lesser amount of money. 

Investment banking comes with a set of fees due to the level of risk involved. The fees differ from firm to firm, but some of the potential fees could include:

  • Retainer fees
  • Upfront fees
  • Expense reimbursement
  • Success fees 
  • Minimum fees
  • Engagement fees

So what does this all cost? A monthly retainer typically doesn’t go lower than $5,000 a month. The retainer is what secures the investment bank and covers their cost as well as the risk they are taking on. 

Commercial banks also have their own sets of fees. They typically range much lower than that, though. 

Commercial bank fees vary based on account fees, safe-deposit box fees, and late fees. Some examples of potential account fees could be:

  • Monthly maintenance charges
  • Minimum balance fees
  • Overdraft fees
  • Non-sufficient funds charges

You’ll also run into more fees when it comes to loans, but it depends on the different kinds you’re considering. 

Now that we’ve got that covered, who exactly uses which type of bank?

3) Types of Clientele

Are you looking at banking options for an institution or for yourself? 

Well, big investment banking clientele can vary depending on the scope of need or based on the client. Some examples of big investment banking clientele are:

  • Corporations
  • Pension funds
  • Other financial institutions
  • Governments
  • Hedge funds

Large investment banks can also serve as financial advisors or brokers for institutions or companies. 

An investment bank could also offer retail operations for smaller individual clients.

If you’re reading that and saying, “Nope, not me!” Then you could line up with the commercial bank clientele more so than the investment bank.

The clientele of commercial banks primarily comes from individuals using personal checking and savings accounts, or through personal loans. Basically, ordinary people who are looking for standard bank needs. 

Through loans and earning interest income from investments, commercial banks make their money to provide new business loans. 

You now know what services are offered, how much it could cost, and if you fit their clientele. Did you consider the regulations that come with commercial banking and investment banking?

Don’t worry. We’re covering that next. 

4) Regulations 

All banks have some set of regulations to follow

Government authorities like the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulate commercial banks.

Commercial banks are insured so they can maintain customer account protection. For example, some can cover up to $250,000 deposits. 

Investment banks aren’t regulated nearly as much as commercial banks. The Securities and Exchange Commission governs them. This means their clients have less protection, but and gives the bank more operational independence. 

Because of the regulation difference, investment banks have higher risks associated with them. When you use an investment bank, you assume the risk, whereas commercial banks work in the interest of their clients. 

5) Banking Examples

You may be thinking great, now I know some difference, but can you help me out with some examples?

You got it! 

Have you heard of JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, or Deutsche Bank? These are examples of large investment banks. 

Commercial banks in the United Kingdom could include HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB, Barclays, and Santander. 

Some banks could combine the functions of a commercial or investment bank. This could aid in the sales of an IPO or increased trading. 

This isn’t crucial to dive into, but worth noting. 

Some of the employees you can expect to run into in a commercial bank include tellers, sales associates, trust officers, loan officers, branch managers, and technical programmers. Whereas in investment banking, you’ll probably deal with an investment banker directly. 

So, Where Do You Go From Here?

Now when you ask the question commercial bank vs. investment bank, you have the ability to make an educated decision.  

From offering different services to helping different types of clientele, the kind of bank you choose will be a choice you make based on your unique set of needs at the time. Luckily, you have plenty of resources to turn to. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the finance and banking world head to CFI.co.

Follow the Money: What Do Investment Banks Do?

There are several different types of banks and institutions out there. By knowing what these banks do and how they differ, you’ll be able to improve your financial literacy and make better investing decisions. 

So, what’s an investment bank? And what do investment banks do?

An investment bank essentially acts as an intermediary institution that performs a variety of services. The majority of investment banks specialize in complex and big financial transactions. These kinds of banks help businesses make financial decisions and raise the capital they need. 

But there’s a lot more to it than just that. Are you interested in learning more? If so, then continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know!

How Do Investment Bank Works?

There are two main divisions of investment banks worth knowing about. The first is the advisory division, which is paid a fee for their work. There is also the trading division, which realizes losses or profits based on their performance in the market.

A person who works in an investment bank might have a career as a salesperson, trader, or financial advisor. While a career at an investment bank could be lucrative, it typically also involves a lot of stress and long working hours. 

Investment banks are best known for their financial intermediary roles. This means that they help businesses issue new shares of stock in an initial public offering (IPO). They also assist businesses to obtain debt financing by attracting investors for corporate bonds. 

The role of the investment bank starts with counseling before the underwriting process even starts. It then continues after the securities are distributed as they continue to offer advice. 

Investment banks also look at the accuracy of the corporation’s financial statements and they write papers that explain the offering to investors. The clientele of investment banks tends to consist of:

  • hedge funds
  • governments
  • corporations
  • other banks
  • pension funds

Many investment banks tend to use their size to their advantage. The more well-connected an investment bank is, the more likely it’s going to profit. It does this because it’s better able to match sellers and buyers. 

Many large investment banks have customers all over the world. 

What Do Investment Banks Do?

Investment banks perform a variety of functions. Often, they will act as the financial advisor to powerful institutional investors. An investment bank is supposed to be a trusted partner that provides strategic and useful advice on all kinds of financial matters. 

They’re able to do this by combining their ability to evaluate and spot investment challenges and opportunities along with understanding the desires of their customers.  

Investment banks also deal with mergers and acquisitions. During this process, the job of the investment bank is to determine the value of a possible acquisition and to help the parties come to a fair price. The bank will also help with executing and structuring the acquisition so that they can ensure that the deal goes as well as possible. 

Research is another important service that investment banks deal in. The research divisions of these institutions review companies and then write documents about their prospects. They will usually include “buy,” “sell,” and “hold” ratings. 

Although the research won’t bring in revenue on its own, the information that they come up with is used to help traders and sales. Investment bankers also get publicity for their partners and clients.

The research is also going to act as investment guidance to outside customers. This will hopefully get the clients to take the advice and execute a trade via the trading desk of a bank, which will then lead to increased revenue for the bank.

The research division is what powers an investment bank’s ability to conduct quantitative analysis, credit research, macroeconomic research, and fixed income research. All of this will then be used both externally and internally at the bank.  

Underwriting Deals

Investment banks will usually underwrite deals while they’re also arranging capital markets financing for their customers. This means that they manage the risk that comes with the process of purchasing the shares of stock from the issuers and selling them to institutional buyers or the public. 

Investment banks purchase shares at one price and then add a markup to the sale price. This brings them a profit that makes up for the risk that they’re taking on. This is also known as the underwriting spread

There will usually be a head investment banker who works with a group of investment bankers. This group is referred to as a syndicate and they all work together to underwrite an issue. This helps to spread the risk out among everyone. 

An underwriter will sometimes just play the part of a go-between for marketing deals. They help to market the stock but don’t take on the risk that comes with underwriting. When this happens, the investment bankers will be able to sell shares and get paid on the basis of commission. 

The Importance of Knowing About Investment Banks

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have an answer to the question, “what do investment banks do?” As we can see, investment banks tend to work with large institutions and perform complex deals that can involve enormous amounts of money.

And even though many people might not directly interact with an investment bank, the actions that these banks take can affect a variety of people, especially those who invest. And by knowing how these banks operate, you’ll be better to make more informed and confident financial and investing decisions.

Are you wondering if now’s a good time to invest? If so, then make sure to check out our other articles for more!

7 Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Investment Banker

The total revenue for 12 of the largest investment banks was $147.5 billion in 2019. While the revenue was a 4% decrease from the previous years, investment banking remains a crucial aspect of the economy. Consequently, there has been a surge in the number of investment bankers.

Selecting an experienced and qualified investment banker can be daunting. You need to be critical in your vetting as the choice of investment banker will impact your transaction experience. A professional investment banker will give you the best advice, negotiate with the utmost prowess, and ensure that you get the best deal.  

Are you looking for assistance in managing your investments? Here are factors you might want to consider when choosing an investment banker.

1. Reputation 

The reputation of a bank is an essential consideration. However, the character of the people transacting on behalf of the bank is more crucial. It would be best if you vetted an investment banker as an individual.

Check their past deals. Do they have a track record of success? The main areas to consider are the banker’s industry, the size of the deals closed, and the transactions involved.

Your chosen investment banker should be someone whose reputation is commendable. You can research and vet more to know the type of person who will be handling your investments. 

2. Chemistry and Trust 

You don’t want to take chances collaborating with an investment banker you can’t trust. You will be entrusting all your financial transactions based on advice from this specific investment banker in the long-term. The process will undoubtedly be time consuming and intimate.

As such, ensuring that you develop synergies with the investment banker is necessary. Chemistry refers to the inherent feeling of being comfortable listening to your banker’s advice. You’ll also need to ask relevant and somewhat delicate financial questions over time. 

It would help to focus on the chemistry when shopping around for an investment banker. If the chemistry isn’t there, you might end up dealing with a more stressful situation. Trust, on the other hand, is non- negotiable. 

You can’t afford to deal with someone you can’t trust. Trust must be at the centre of any relationship with an investment banker before committing to a long term engagement. This is especially crucial considering the value of your investment. 

3. Get a Relational Investment Banker 

In investment banking, creating rapport with clients is essential. You need to prioritize a banker with essential relationship skills. While the skill is intangible, it’s one of the most critical for investment bankers.  

The stakes in investment banking are quite high. An investment banker with the right social skills and attitude will address extreme conditions and individuals. Nothing is more fulfilling than having an investment manager who understands you!

You’ll be communicating with bankers often when running a transaction. It would help to identify bankers with the right communication skills. Within the first encounter, you can gather clues that will determine whether the banker has the right set of communication and relational skills.

4. Valuation and Fees

Cost is always a factor when choosing a reliable investment banker. You want to understand the cost implications before committing fully to such services. The banker should be able to present an accurate cost of services.

While you might be keen to attract someone who charges the lowest fee, it would help focus on the ROI. Your goal should be to work with someone who has the highest qualifications.  It would help balance the need for a pocket-friendly deal with a highly reliable banker to ensure value.  

It would also be essential to ensure that you understand all the hidden fees and any other charges before hiring an investment banker.

 When it comes to valuation, a good banker should keep up with the trends in your specific industry. This helps in interpreting the market activities and their impact on the value of your valuation. Ensure that you understand the range of valuation before committing to hiring.  

5. Availability of Resources 

A reliable bank should have adequate resources for your deal. If a firm has large teams, they are unlimited on the financial transactions it can handle. While this might be a positive aspect of the bank’s view, it might not favour you.

It is best to work with an investment manager who will guarantee you a personal experience. Confirm if they have the right resources. You can check out the different types of investment banking services and the available resources to know if they resonate with your business needs.

6. Transaction Experience

One of the essential factors you might need to consider when selecting an investment banker relates to experience. Can they get the deal done? You don’t want to deal with a novice who might take longer to deliver. 

You also want to rest easy, knowing that your investment banker has the experience necessary to deliver. A banker who has been in the industry long enough understands the dynamics in the sector. The easiest way to validate an their experience is to consider the number of past transactions.

The more the number of transactions the banker has, the more the experience they bring on the table. It would help to consider the level of experience the they have before proceeding to commit. 

7. References and Reviews 

Every investment banker worth their salt has a battalion of loyal clients. Reviews play an important role in determining any business’s repute. Before you decide to hire an M&A specialist, consider the testimonials that back up their exceptional services.

Most past customers provide honest feedback on their engagement with respective investment bankers. You can utilize such information to determine the most suitable banker to handle your case. It would also help consider negative reviews as a red flag when dealing with investment banking service providers for the first time.   

The Right Investment Banker Has a Significant Impact on Your Wealth  

Transactions are often laden with challenges. You’ll meet buyers who are more familiar with the market than you, leading to disagreements. With an experienced investment banker, you can rest easy knowing that the process will be seamless. 

You need to familiarize yourself with the banker’s skills and experience. Thorough vetting will enable you to settle for the best talent around. 

Contact us today for compelling articles on financing.

Is Now a Good Time to Invest? Buying Stock During a Pandemic

The global pandemic has lead to a lot of predictable anxiety, lockouts, and business closures in the last few weeks and months. It has raised many legitimate questions about global finances, with one very important one weighing on investors. “Is now a good time to invest?”

What are the more robust markets to invest in right now? Can anybody, even a freelancer, do well in the market? And what is the best approach to take to keep your money safe?

Join us today as we break down some of our favourite tips.

Don’t Be Reckless

It can be easy, in the midst of everything the world is going through, to feel like the world is your oyster. You can expect to see panicked sales going on in waves over the next few months. This may seem like a tempting opportunity to wade in and start buying up everything you can get your hands on.

Keep in mind, however, that discretion is never a bad idea. There will still be plenty of bad deals floating around, and COVID-19 will run its course. You could find yourself dealing with the repercussions of a bad investment sooner than you might expect, so be careful.

Don’t Invest Unless You Can Maintain It for Three Years, Minimum

Considering buying stocks in response to falling prices? Consider the stability of the investments you’re sizing up. To be responsible, you have to be able to hold your investments for a minimum of three years so they have the chance to recover.

This goes for investments at any time of the year but is especially true during quarantine times.

You may want to sell. You could have any number of reasons for this.

Maybe you’re scared by all the instability. Maybe your broker recommends it. Whatever your reasoning, you should not invest during a stock market crash if you’re not ready to hold your investments for at least three years.

Stocks have a high potential return rate, but we only see those returns when we hold down, consistently, during episodes of volatility. Three years is the recommended amount of time necessary to overcome short-term market losses.

You also cannot, under any circumstances, invest money you may need in an emergency into these stocks. If you invest emergency funds and then, later on, have an emergency, you’ll need to sell to get access to that money.

Don’t Spend It All on the Markets

Cash tends to retain its value, even during a stock market crash. What this means for you, as an investor, is an opportunity to keep a portion of your investing power liquid and ready in case the market drops.

You’ll be more ready to take advantage of these dips in activity if your funds aren’t already all wrapped up in equity. Compared to other investors, strapped for cash and weighing up their options, you’ll have a distinct advantage.

Regret: It’s to Be Expected

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

Nobody ever gets into the stock market intending to lose money. That said, losing money, at least in the short term, is an inevitability. It’s always easier to plan when the markets are behaving as they should be.

It’s no secret that investors get nervous when the stock market is erratic. They feel regret over not getting in earlier. They feel regret at not selling sooner.

You will probably feel the same way at some point in the future. It’s inevitable, and you will almost always be left something you wish had gone differently. The worst thing you could do is sell scared.

Expert investors with years of experience don’t have perfect days. If you’re trying to take advantage of the market during COVID-19, it’s important to remember not everything will go perfectly.

Stocks will fall, sometimes repeatedly. They have done so throughout history, and have always recovered. If you are bold enough to get into the stock market during a global pandemic and impending recession, you need to be bold enough to weather the storm.

A Note on What to Invest in Now

Investing in stocks and shares is about taking a smart approach to your investments. But it’s also about investing in stocks and shares you know will make a return. With all of that said, which sectors will be most likely to pull ahead during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Healthcare and Biotechnology

The biotech and healthcare fields are expected to remain entrenched during the outbreak due to their role in treating it. Look at Quidel Corporation (QDEL) and Masimo Corporation (MASI) for mid-to-large caps. 

Teleconference

Because of its role in quarantines, teleconferencing software is also attracting purchases. It’s not a field that gets as much attention in a regular year, however, so expect some inconsistencies by way of growing pains. Citrix Systems, Inc. (CTXS) and Teledoc Health, Inc. (TDOC) have both shown promise.

Safe Shelters

The safe-haven has had its place throughout dozens of national and international disasters. They’ve seen consistent growth throughout COVID-19, with climbing dividends staving off lower prices. Campbell Soup Company (CPB) recently traded near a 52-week high, while American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) has come in with some great returns, as well.

Is Now a Good Time to Invest?

The world is in an interesting place, right now. One of the biggest global pandemics in recent history has sent literally everybody inside, from the man on the street to whole businesses. And, with stores, restaurants, and even some non-essential public utilities all shutting down, it can be easy to think this is a bad time to invest.

The truth is quite the opposite, though. With the market shifting to products and services relevant to the virus, we’re seeing new opportunities for investors.

It’s all about changing your perspective and learning to roll with the punches, and this is the perfect environment to do exactly that in. Some of the best long term investments come out of trying times. And COVID-19 is certainly trying.

Is now a good time to invest? It’s as good a time as it’s ever been, which means “absolutely,” provided you’re ready to put in the time and effort and invest wisely.

Looking for more choice investment insights? Check out some of our other expert blog content, today!

Is a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) a Good Idea for Freelancers

A quarter of British adults have nothing in savings. Meanwhile, one in 10 Brits admits they tend to spend more than they earn. As a freelancer, you can’t get caught without a good nest egg awaiting you during retirement. By setting up a self-invested personal pension (SIPP), you can prepare yourself for the year to come. A SIPP will help you save for retirement without worry you’ll spend your savings. 

What is a SIPP pension exactly, and how does it work?

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about SIPP investments as a freelancer!

What is a SIPP?

First, what exactly is a self-invested personal pension?

A SIPP is a pension that holds all of your investments until you retire and begin drawing a retirement income. This form of personal pension works similarly to a standard personal pension. The main difference, however, is that a SIPP offers more flexibility with the investments you choose.

Once you have your SIPP set up, you can add regular contributions to your nest egg. You can also make ad hoc payments into your self-employment pension. Then, your pension provider will claim tax relief and add it to your savings.

How Does It Work?

How does a SIPP work and help you save for retirement?

With a standard personal pension, all of your investments are managed for you. They’re controlled within the pooled fund you selected. With SIPPS, however, you have the freedom to select and manage your own investments instead. 

You can also pay an experienced, authorised investment manager to make the decisions for you. 

SIPPs are best for people who want to manage their own funds. By giving you control, your self-invested personal pension also allows you to switch investments as you’d like. That way, you have the peace of mind that you’re making investments with your own best interests in mind. 

Why Is It Important as a Freelancer?

The majority of Brits between the ages of 22 and 29 have no more than £1,000 tucked away in savings. If your self-employed, it’s up to you to start a pension on your own. 

Unfortunately, many self-employed people struggle to make ends meet as they grow older. By planning for SIPP investments now, you can prepare yourself for any rocky roads ahead.

There are a few benefits to choosing a SIPP, including:

  • You can receive pension tax relief from the government
  • A strong pension plan will give you low-cost access to professional investment managers
  • The right investment manager can help you invest your money in a range of assets
  • Choosing the right assets can help you manage risk in a sensible way
  • If you die before you turn 75, your pension will pass on to your beneficiaries as a lump sum
  • New pension freedom rules allow you to decide what to do with your pension savings when you reach retirement

As a freelancer, having the freedom to choose what you do with your self-employed pension is essential. Many full-time employees are already paying into a pension. In fact, employers are now obligated to automatically enrol employees into a workplace pensions scheme. 

Other Options

If you’re currently self-employed and want to set up a private pension, start by finding any old workplace and personal pensions established in the past. Then, combine them into your new pension. Completing this process will make your new self-employment pension easier to manage in the long-run.

Working with a financial advisor can make this process easier, too. They can help move your pensions over into their system. Then, they’ll combine and transfer your pensions into your new SIPP pension plan. 

Otherwise, might need to contact your previous pension providers to get your pension balances on your own. 

In addition to a SIPP pension plan, you might decide on other options, including a personal pension or stakeholder pension. Self-employed individuals can also utilise the government scheme National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), too. However, there’s no “best” pension for self-employed workers.

It really depends on your own specific circumstances.

Ideally, try to find a provider who lets you make contributions when you want. As someone who is self-employed, your income might not end up as predictable as you’d like. Having control over the details of your self-employed pension can make it easier to manage. 

Investments

Now that you know a little more about how SIPP investments work, let’s review the assets you can choose from. A few include:

  • Unit trusts
  • Some National Savings and Investment productions
  • Commercial property (shops, offices, factories)
  • Investment trusts
  • Government securities
  • Individual stocks and shares (quotes on the recognised UK or overseas stock exchange)
  • Insurance company funds
  • Traded endowment policies
  • Deposit accounts with banks and building societies 

However, this is only a shortlist. Speaking with an expert can help you explore your options. There are also different SIPP providers who have different investment options available for you to choose from. 

You can’t hold residential property directly within a SIPP with tax advantages that usually accompany pension investments.

However, you can hold residential property in a SIPP through certain types of collection investments. For example, a real estate investment trust would allow you to include the property in a SIPP without you losing tax advantages.

These investments are often subject to restrictions. It’s also important to note that not all SIPP providers will accept this type of investment. 

In addition to your self-invested personal pension, make sure to take the time to develop an overall investment strategy. Planning now will help you in the future.

You can access and use your SIPP more flexibly now. According to new rules, you can now access the money in your SIPP at the age of 55. 

Take a SIPP: Understanding Your Self-Invested Personal Pension as a Freelancer

Prepare for the future and make the most of your money. By understanding the importance of creating a self-invested personal pension, you can save away money as a freelancer. Then, you’ll have what you need to prepare for the day you retire!

Searching for more helpful investment tips? Explore our latest Investment Management guides today.