Investment banking can mean many things, but for this instance, we will focus on the banking or corporate finance side. Investment banks broadly provide advice and services to companies who wish to make significant changes to their businesses, such as raising finance or acquiring another company or competitor. Banks also advise on merging with a company or selling divestures, as well as floating on the stock market or privatising public companies. The idea is to increase the value of the company whilst keeping risk to a minimum. This can lead to close links or inclusion of corporate broking in the process.

Depending on deal size and timing of potential transactions, commitment and energy are the name of the game, where you are going to find the commercial pressures familiar to city transactional lawyers, with that high-octane, gruelling environment, and accompanying adrenalin buzz. A typical investment banker will have a broad understanding of capital markets as well as some experience in dealing to corporate and/or institutional clients.