Which groups are the most intense?

M&A and Sponsors often have the most volatile hours due to live deals.

Can culture vary by team?

Yes, staffing and expectations can differ widely even within one bank.

Investment Banking Hours and Lifestyle by Group (2025)

Hours and lifestyle by bank group, what drives peaks, and how to assess teams so you can pick the right fit before you accept an offer with confidence.

Typical hours by group

Group	Typical hours	Volatility	Notes
M&A	80-100	High	Live deals drive late-night turns
Sponsors	80-100	High	Fast-paced, heavy process management
LevFin	75-95	Medium	Credit markets timing matters
FIG	70-90	Medium	Complex accounting, steady deal flow
Industrials	70-90	Medium	Coverage work plus M&A spikes
Generalist	65-85	Medium	Varies widely by team

How to assess team fit

Ask about staffing model and weekend protection.
Look for repeat deal patterns that drive predictability.
Get two perspectives: analyst and VP.

Use Why Our Firm to prepare targeted questions for these conversations.