New York City is the financial capital of the world, home to the most prestigious investment banks that drive global markets. These institutions specialize in mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, trading and corporate advisory services. From Wall Street giants to elite boutique agencies, New York City’s investment banks cater to Fortune 500 companies, governments and institutional investors.
The competitive landscape includes bulge bracket banks dominating global deals, mid-market companies serving growing businesses and specialized advisors in niche industries. Whether you are an investor, corporate client or finance professional, understanding the top players helps in making informed financial decisions.
What is the Difference Between Investment Banks and Commercial Banks?
A trending question is how investment banks differ from commercial banks. While commercial banks focus on deposits, loans and retail services, investment banks specialize in capital markets, IPOs, M&A and high net worth asset management. They don’t take consumer deposits but instead facilitate large scale corporate transactions.
Top 5 Investment Banks in New York
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan Chase
- Morgan Stanley
- Evercore
- Lazard
In-Depth Look at the Top 5 Investment Banks
1) Goldman Sachs
A Wall Street titan, Goldman Sachs leads in investment banking, securities and asset management. It advises on mega deals, IPOs and private equity transactions, serving corporations, governments and ultra high net worth individuals. Known for its elite talent and global influence, Goldman Sachs remains a top choice for Fortune 500 clients.
Key Features
- Top tier M&A advisory (ranked #1 in global deals)
- Leading IPO underwriter (tech, healthcare and finance sectors)
- Strong private wealth management for HNWIs
- Expanding digital banking (Marcus)
- Dominates trading & securities
Awards & Achievements
- #1 in Global M&A Advisory (Bloomberg, 2023)
- Best Investment Bank (Euromoney Awards)
- Top Employer in Finance (Vault Rankings)
Reviews & Feedback
- ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) on Glassdoor – Praised for prestige but criticized for work-life balance.
- ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) on Wall Street Oasis – Elite deals but high pressure culture.
Contact Information
- Website: www.goldmansachs.com
- HQ: 200 West Street, New York, NY
2) JP Morgan Chase
The largest U.S. bank by assets, J.P. Morgan’s investment arm excels in corporate banking, trading and advisory services. It dominates debt capital markets and is a powerhouse in tech and healthcare financing.
Key Features
- #1 in Debt Underwriting
- Leading tech & healthcare banker
- Strong ESG & sustainable finance
- Top tier sales & trading desk
Awards
- Best Global Investment Bank (Global Finance)
- Top Corporate Bank (Euromoney)
Reviews
- ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) on Comparably – Strong brand, bureaucratic at times.
Contact
- Website: www.jpmorgan.com
- HQ: 383 Madison Ave, NYC
3) Morgan Stanley
A global leader in investment banking and wealth management, Morgan Stanley is renowned for its institutional securities and investment management services. The firm excels in equity underwriting and provides top tier advisory services for blue chip clients across industries.
Key Features
- Dominates equity capital markets (ECM)
- Premier wealth management division
- Strong technology and healthcare banking
- Leading ESG investment platform
- Robust prime brokerage services
Awards & Achievements
- #1 in Global Equity Underwriting (2023)
- Best Wealth Management Firm (Barron’s)
- Top 3 in M&A Advisory (Refinitiv)
Reviews & Feedback
- ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) on Glassdoor – Excellent training but demanding hours
- ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) on Wall Street Oasis – Strong culture, competitive environment
Contact Information
- Website: www.morganstanley.com
- HQ: 1585 Broadway, New York, NY
4) Evercore
The premier independent investment banking advisory firm, Evercore specializes in unbiased M&A advice and restructuring. Known for its elite senior bankers, it competes with bulge brackets on major deals while maintaining boutique flexibility.
Key Features
- Top tier independent M&A advisor
- Strong shareholder activism defense
- Leading restructuring practice
- Focused on high profile, complex deals
- Premium talent with senior attention
Awards & Achievements
- #1 Independent M&A Advisor (Bloomberg)
- Most Prestigious Boutique (Vault)
- Top Restructuring Advisor (FT)
Reviews & Feedback
- ★★★★★ (4.7/5) on Glassdoor – Best-in-class culture
- ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) on Wall Street Oasis – Elite deals, smart colleagues
Contact Information
- Website: www.evercore.com
- HQ: 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY
5) Lazard
The world’s leading financial advisory and asset management firm, Lazard combines elite M&A capabilities with a strong restructuring practice. Its independence and sector expertise make it a go to for complex situations.
Key Features
- Top restructuring advisor
- Strong sovereign advisory practice
- Elite healthcare and TMT banking
- Independent, conflict free advice
- Global reach with local expertise
Awards & Achievements
- #1 Restructuring Advisor (Bloomberg)
- Top Sovereign Advisor (IMF)
- Best Boutique Investment Bank (Institutional Investor)
Reviews & Feedback
- ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) on Glassdoor – Great deal exposure
- ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) on Wall Street Oasis – Smart teams, less bureaucracy
Contact Information
- Website: www.lazard.com
- HQ: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Comparison Table
| Bank | Strengths | Avg. Deal Size | Key Sectors | Best For | Employee Rating |
| Goldman Sachs | M&A, IPOs | $5B+ | Tech, Finance | Mega-deals | 4.2 ★ |
| J.P. Morgan | Debt, ECM | $3B+ | Healthcare, Tech | Corporate clients | 4.1 ★ |
| Morgan Stanley | ECM, Wealth | $2B+ | Consumer, TMT | Institutional investors | 4.3 ★ |
| Evercore | Independent M&A | $1B+ | All sectors | Unbiased advice | 4.7 ★ |
| Lazard | Restructuring | $500M+ | Healthcare, Energy | Turnarounds | 4.2 ★ |
New York City’s investment banking landscape offers diverse options: Goldman and J.P. Morgan for global scale, Morgan Stanley for ECM and wealth management, while Evercore and Lazard provide elite independent advice. Boutiques win on sector expertise and senior attention, while bulge brackets dominate in capital markets and execution capabilities.
Pro Tip: For startups/mid-market, consider adding Center view Partners or Moelis and Company to your evaluation list.
