In recent years the mergers and acquisitions area has become the most profitable area for the investment banking industry.
Investment bankers work with firms involved in a merger or an acquisition.
They will bring the two firms together, advise them how to structure and make the merger possible and feasible, and then raise the capital needed to do the deal. The area calls for people with good analytic and negotiation skills, the ability to structure deals and contracts, and the willingness to deal with the a great deal of stress. Trading The trading department of an investment bank values, buys, and sells stocks, bonds, currencies, options, and futures contracts to other investment banks, commercial banks and institutional investors. Those who work in this area must understanding how markets work, what drives the markets, and be able to communicate effectively with those they deal with. Structured Finance Financial engineering has become a new buzz work on Wall Street.