Introduction to Investment Banking

 Career Path

Learning Outcome

5

Explore career progression opportunities

4

Identify skills required

3

Recognize responsibilities of each function

2

Differentiate front, middle, and back office roles

1

Understand career structure in investment banking

Story — Movie Production Analogy

Imagine making a movie:

Actors → face the audience

Directors → manage execution

 Crew → handle logistics

Investment banking works similarly:

Core idea:Every role is essential to success.

Front office → client-facing stars

 Middle office → risk & coordination

Back office → operational backbone

Why Career Structure Exists

Large financial deals require:

Client interaction

Risk monitoring

Operational precision

Without structure:

Errors increase

Compliance risks rise

Execution slows

Structured roles ensure:

Efficiency

 Accountability

 Specialization

 Front Office

Client-Facing Revenue Drivers

Front office roles generate business.

Deal origination

Client advisory

Trading & sales

Capital raising

Responsibilities:

 Front Office

Examples of roles:

Skills needed:

Core idea:Front office brings revenue.

Investment banker

Sales & trading analyst

Relationship manager

Communication

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Market awareness

 Middle Office

Risk & Control Center

Middle office protects the firm.

Responsibilities:

Performance analytics

Trade validation

Compliance monitoring

Risk management

 Middle Office

Examples of roles:

Skills needed:

Core idea:Middle office ensures safe operations.

Risk analyst

Compliance officer

Portfolio controller

Analytical thinking

Regulatory understanding

Attention to detail

 Back Office

Operational Execution Backbone

Back office ensures transactions run smoothly.

Responsibilities:

Trade settlement

Documentation

Record keeping

Process management

 Back Office

Examples of roles:

Skills needed:

Core idea:Back office supports execution reliability.

Operations analyst

Settlement officer

Data management specialist

Process discipline

Accuracy

Systems knowledge

 Career Progression Insight

Career growth often moves through:

Analyst → Associate → Manager → Specialist leadership

Movement opportunities:

Specialization in risk, advisory, or operations

Back Office

Middle Office

Front Office

Key takeaway:Multiple entry points — diverse growth paths.

Summary

3

Back office → operational support

2

Middle office → risk & compliance

1

Front office → revenue & client interaction

Quiz

Front office primarily focuses on

A.  Settlement

B. Client advisory

C. Documentation

D. Compliance

Quiz-Answer

Front office primarily focuses on

A.  Settlement

B. Client advisory

C. Documentation

D. Compliance

Foundations of Investment Banking & its Operations -Career Path

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Foundations of Investment Banking & its Operations -Career Path

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