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
