THE INVESTMENT BANKING INDUSTRY

Investment banks help governments and companies raise funds through syndicated loans, and securities offerings (public and private).  These banks specialize in determining the value of businesses prior to a securities offering or while setting a value of a merger or acquisition.  Investment banks also help investors purchase and trade securities, manage assets and provide business and financial advice. 

Sales, trading, and research provided by investment banks are considered to be within the public side of investment banking as these institutions use only publicly available information such as SEC filings, financial statements, and press releases.  Advisory and structuring groups that work directly with companies’ senior leadership and inside information, are considered to be within the private side of investment banking.