Investment banking is often linked with high-profile personalities like Jamie Dimon, terms like “Vampire Squid,” and institutions like Bloomberg. The industry is known for its booms-and-busts cycles, Wall Street and Square Mile landmarks, complex algorithms, and impressive slide presentations. Financial rewards in investment banking can be immense, with seven-figure salaries not being uncommon. However, this often comes at a significant personal cost, characterized by fierce competition, overwhelming workloads, and relentless deadlines, which leads to the perception of investment banking as a burnout job with little to no work-life balance.
The Vault Banking 25, an annual survey that started in 2007, addresses the pressing question within the industry: is it better to prioritize wealth or health? Instead of focusing on traditional business metrics like assets-to-liabilities, AUM growth, or net profit, this survey gathers insights from banking professionals based on aspects that matter most to them, such as benefits, working hours, training, compensation, and leadership. The 2025 survey results highlight that Centerview Partners has maintained its position as the best investment bank to work for, marking its 6th consecutive year at the top with an impressive index score of 9.035 out of 10. Following closely are Evercore at 8.635 and Moelis & Company at 8.221.
The Accolades of Centerview Partners
Centerview Partners, based in New York City with over 600 employees, has set itself apart through excellence in multiple areas. This advisory firm is engaged in high-profile M&A deals involving major clients such as PepsiCo, Merck, UBS, L’Oréal Group, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Oracle, and Blackstone. According to the Vault Banking 25, Centerview Partners achieved the highest average score in 18 out of 20 dimensions evaluated, including key factors such as benefits, business outlook, client interaction, compensation, culture, ESG practices, firm leadership, hiring process, hours, informal training, internal mobility, promotion policies, quality of work, relationships with managers, satisfaction, vacation policies, wellness, and work-life balance. Notably, the firm has seen improvements in areas like client interaction and vacation policies from the previous year.
Employee testimonials highlight the engaging and intellectually stimulating work environment at Centerview Partners, where individuals are involved in complex and industry-defining transactions. Employees believe the firm places a significant emphasis on their well-being and professional growth. The company offers various perks to its employees, such as an in-house chef providing free meals, an on-site gym, internal sports teams, free Uber rides, and a barista making high-quality coffee.
Centerview Partners’ commitment to career development stands out. The firm offers a unique training experience through Centerview University, where employees’ assignments are evaluated by senior bankers. The firm focuses heavily on nurturing homegrown talent through formal mentorship programs, sustained training, and thoughtful staffing approaches. Employees often find themselves taking on senior roles in small teams, encouraging professional growth and development. Despite the demanding nature of their work, employees remain optimistic about the future of Centerview Partners. The firm’s strong morale, coupled with a foundation in solid business insights and flawless deal execution, supports its rising prestige. Competing firms also respect Centerview Partners, acknowledging its high performance and predictive capabilities in firm prestige.
Evercore: Strong Runner-Up Defined by Talent Development
Evercore retains the #2 position in the Vault Banking 25, similar to previous years. Known for its robust formal training programs, Evercore ranks highly in dimensions such as business outlook, hiring process, and overall prestige. The focus on work-life balance is a significant draw for employees at Evercore. Policies such as auditing weekend hours, protecting Saturdays, and encouraging employees to take vacation days underline the firm’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its staff.
Evercore mirrors Centerview’s emphasis on mentoring and developing young talent. Senior bankers at Evercore take an active role in mentoring junior staff, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support needed to grow their careers. Intensive formal training programs, including a month-long onboarding process for new hires, equip employees with the necessary skills for success on the job. The firm also provides ample opportunities for networking and mentorship between junior and senior staff, creating an environment conducive to professional growth. The analysis reveals overarching themes within the top investment banks. Firms like Centerview Partners and Evercore distinguish themselves through commitments to work-life balance, career development, and employee well-being, alongside maintaining high standards of business operations. The integration of comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and balanced workloads are recognized as critical factors influencing employee satisfaction and firm prestige.
Moelis & Company: A Close Contender
Moelis & Company, ranking third in the Vault Banking 25, is another top choice for investment banking professionals. The firm is recognized for its strong business outlook, compensation, and quality of work. Moelis & Company has built a reputation for its entrepreneurial culture, which allows employees to take on significant responsibilities early in their careers. This approach not only fosters professional growth but also keeps employees engaged and motivated.
Moelis & Company emphasizes a healthy work-life balance through its policies and practices. The firm offers flexible working hours, generous vacation policies, and wellness programs to ensure employees maintain a balance between professional and personal lives. This commitment to employee well-being is further enhanced by resources and support for mental health, helping employees manage stress and avoid burnout. The firm has seen notable success in retaining talent and ensuring job satisfaction among its staff.
Additionally, Moelis & Company places a strong emphasis on career development. Extensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and a clear path for advancement are some of the initiatives offered by the firm. Employees are given the tools and resources they need to succeed, with mentorship programs ensuring that junior staff are guided by experienced professionals. The firm values internal talent and strives to promote from within, creating a motivated and loyal workforce. Employees appreciate the opportunities for growth and the supportive environment, which allows them to thrive in their roles.
Conclusion
Evercore has maintained its strong position, ranking #2 in the Vault Banking 25 as in previous years. The firm is recognized for its extensive formal training programs and scores highly in areas like business outlook, hiring process, and overall prestige. One of the standout features of Evercore is its dedication to work-life balance, which is a significant attraction for many employees. Policies such as auditing weekend hours, protecting Saturdays from work, and encouraging the use of vacation days exemplify the firm’s commitment to its staff’s well-being.
Similar to Centerview Partners, Evercore places a strong emphasis on mentoring and nurturing young talent. Senior bankers at Evercore actively mentor junior staff, providing them with the guidance and support they need to develop their careers. New hires undergo a comprehensive, month-long onboarding process that equips them with essential skills for the job. Additionally, Evercore offers numerous opportunities for networking and mentorship between junior and senior staff, fostering an environment that supports professional growth.
The analysis of top investment banks reveals a common thread among firms like Centerview Partners and Evercore: a dedication to work-life balance, career development, and employee well-being, all while maintaining high standards in business operations. The integration of thorough training programs, mentorship, and manageable workloads is recognized as vital elements contributing to employee satisfaction and the overall prestige of the firm.
