What Are The Easiest Ways Into Investment Banking in India?

Investment banking is an essential financial sector instrument that helps in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions for governments, corporations, and investors. Being an investment banker is not an easy task and requires a lot of diligence. This article will help you understand how to make your ways to investment banking in India.

Key Skills to Become an Investment Banker

To become an investment banker, one must possess some basic and critical skill set. Listed below are the key skills you will need to become an investment banker.

Mathematical Skills:

Investment bankers are involved in large-scale financial transactions for their clients and also guide in making crucial investment decisions. Hence, you must have strong financial skills, particularly in mathematics and accounting, to perform your job efficiently.

Analytical Skills:

Analysing data, making crucial financial decisions, and solving problems is a part of their KRAs. Hence, their job consists of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing data. Companies look for candidates with strong analytical skills to understand the data and make informed decisions quickly.

Communication:

Communication skills are essential irrespective of where in investment banking you decide to take the job. This is because you will have to spend most of your time in talking to clients, investors, or team members to explain complex financial information to them.

Project Management:

As an investment banker, you will be responsible for managing multiple clients. Thus, you will have to complete projects within deadlines to ensure you meet all your responsibilities adequately. Hence, you must invest time in learning project management tools to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Problem-Solving:

Having an open mind encourages creative thinking and leads to a greater comprehension of markets, cultures, and society. It enables someone to consult several people in order to resolve an issue or seal a contract, which promotes innovative problem-solving.

Negotiation:

One of the job roles is to convince stakeholders for the deal and that may require you to act like a salesperson. Thus, knowing how to negotiate or how to sell is an essential skill that can help you bring the revenue your institution needs.

Persuasion:

With strong persuasion skills, investment bankers convince their clients and stakeholders of their decisions, thus accelerating career growth. 

Easiest Ways Into Investment Banking in India

An investment banker is needed to provide advice, execute financial transactions, and conduct economic analysis. Listed below are the qualifications required to enter investment banking in India:

Clear the HSC Exams:

You must clear your HSC exams with a minimum of 50% or more from a recognized board or university. In addition, it will be great if you know accounting, mathematics, business, economics, and computer technology.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree:

For an investment banker, it is great to have a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field. Recent graduates or last-year students can also get an internship in an investment bank for hands-on experience.

MBA in Finance:

Investment bankers must have a strong financial background. For a strong career in investment banking, it is good to invest in a 2-year MBA program. MBA in finance from a prestigious institute is preferred by companies today.

Cracking a Chartered Course Like CA or CFA:

It is easy to find jobs as an investment banker after completing a CA or CFA. These courses offer adequate economics, derivatives, corporate finance, financial reporting, and other such knowledge needed to be a successful investment banker.

Develop Technical Skills:

Besides academics, you must have a strong technical understanding of analytics and financial modeling. You don’t have to be an MBA or CA to learn these skills. Many certification courses can offer you these skills.

Apply for Internships and Jobs:

Most investment banks offer a structured plan for interns and also provide internships. It is great to learn skills such as Excel, business communication, preparing PPTs, and more. If you perform well, these companies may offer a permanent job.

Networking:

A successful merger or acquisition is often possible because of investment bankers. They do everything from researching to negotiating and closing deals. Thus, networking is an essential part of their job, especially if you want to succeed in this field.

Top Investment Banks in India

Listed below are the top investment banks in India:

• Axis Bank Ltd
• Morgan Stanley
• Barclays
• JPMorgan Chase
• Goldman Sachs
• J M Financial
• Avendus Capital Private Limited
• Edelweiss Financial Services
• ICICI Securities
• O3 Capital
• BNP Paribas

Non-Academic Skills Required for Investment Banking

Listed below are some additional skills that are a must to be a successful investment banker:

• Attention to detail
• Leadership
• Customer relationship management
• Discipline
• Research
• Ethics
• Creativity
• Intellect
• Open-mindedness
• Time management skills
• Networking skills

What is the Average Time it Takes to Become an Investment Banker?

Once you complete HSC, it will take three years to complete graduation and another two years to get an MBA degree. If chosen CA or CFA it will take some additional years. Overall, it may take anywhere between four and nine years to become an investment banker.

Choosing the Right Investment Banking Course:

Here are a few things to look at before choosing your investment banking course:

• The reputation of the course provider.
• The course curriculum and content.
• Experience and knowledge of instructors and faculty members.
• Placement support

Investment Banking by Zell Education

Zell Education offers a post-graduation course in Investment banking with guaranteed interviews and a minimum CTC package of up to 8 LPA. It is easy to join this program. Just apply, submit an aptitude test, go for a personal interview, and get your admission secured.

Conclusion

You need to have a combination of practical experience, education, and networking to become a successful investment banker. The first step is to start by pursuing a degree in the related field and later go for an internship and gain adequate experience to apply for a job.

FAQs on Ways Into Investment Banking in India:

Is an MBA degree necessary for investment banking?

It is not necessary for a small investment bank. However, the top banks prefer candidates with an MBA degree.

What is the average cost to become an investment banker in India?

The course fee depends on whether the student opts for a full-time or a part-time course and the duration. On average, the cost can range between INR 5,000 to INR 3,00,000 in India.

Investment banking analyst salary?

On average an investment banker can make anywhere between INR 9,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 per year in India.

What is the fastest ways to become an investment banker?

Here are a few things to do to become an investment banker quickly:

–  Complete HSC

– Pass entrance exam

– Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree

– Go for a certification course

– Get a job

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.