Investment Banking Industry Profile

Companies in this industry underwrite, originate and maintain markets for clients issuing securities; they may also offer advisory services, help facilitate corporate mergers and other deals, or act as principals in buying or selling securities on a spread. Major companies include Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley (all based in the US), as well as Barclays (UK), BNP Paribas (France), Credit Suisse and UBS Group (both based in Switzerland), and Nomura (Japan).

Global investment banking's net revenue fell to $37 billion by 2028, according to Statista. Overall, the global investment banking industry has struggled in the aftermath of the financial crisis and ensuing regulatory changes that have made it harder to profit from their traditional lines of business.

The US investment banking industry includes about 4,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) and annual revenue of about $105 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by economic activity that results in company mergers, acquisitions, or public financing. The profitability of an investment bank depends on its ability to accurately assess both the value of a business transaction and the readiness of the market to buy the attendant debt or equity. Big firms have an advantage because large customer transactions require firms with substantial financial and technological resources and global networks. Small investment banks can compete by participating in syndications and operating in regional markets or specialized industries. The US ...