How to Get into Investment Banking as a CA

Why Investment Banking Appeals to CAs

Let’s call it like it is: audit and tax aren’t for everyone.

Investment banking, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to work on M&A deals, IPOs, due diligence, company valuations, and strategic transactions- all of which go way beyond financial reporting.

And here’s the twist: Chartered Accountants in investment banking bring a level of financial depth that many MBAs simply can’t match. That’s why firms are increasingly open to hiring CAs, especially in M&A roles, equity research, and private equity transitions.

How to Get into Investment Banking as a CA: A Roadmap

So, how to get into investment banking as a CA if you don't have a B-school brand on your resume? Here’s what actually works:

1. Position Your Articleship and Work Experience
Don’t just write “handled statutory audits” on your CV. Instead:
Highlight experience in due diligence, valuation, or financial modeling
Mention any work on IPOs, restructuring, or deal support (even if limited)
Showcase involvement in client-facing work with strategic input
This is especially important if you're aiming for front office IB roles for CA profiles- where deal exposure trumps everything.

2. Learn the Lingo: IB Tools & Skills
If you’re serious about the shift, invest time in:
Financial modeling (3-statement models, DCF, LBOs)
Pitchbook creation, industry research, comps analysis
Tools like Excel, PowerPoint, Bloomberg, CapitalIQ
You don’t need to become a tech whiz, but recruiters expect you to speak the IB language - fluently.

3. Leverage Your CA Network
Start with alumni or seniors who made the leap. Most CA fresher investment banking opportunities aren’t posted - they come through backdoors, referrals, or even boutique firms hunting for raw talent.
LinkedIn > Search > Filter by "Investment Banking" + “CA”
Send personalized connection requests and then request for a 15-minute call. Don't just ask for a reference or job directly.

4. Explore Entry Points (That Aren’t IBD)
Your break doesn’t always start in IBD. You could start with:
Big 4 Deal Advisory or TS (Transaction Services)
Equity Research roles at brokerages
Corporate Development teams at startups or listed firms
Boutique M&A firms
From there, many CAs navigate into core investment banking.

Can a Chartered Accountant Become an Investment Banker?

Absolutely. Not only is it possible - it’s increasingly common.
CAs are preferred in roles where financial diligence, numbers accuracy, and business sense matter. That includes M&A advisory, private equity, venture capital, and even investment banking analyst roles at boutique firms.
But here's the caveat: you have to prove you're more than just a balance sheet person. Investment bankers think in narratives, not just numbers.

Is CA Enough for Investment Banking in India?

Technically, yes. Practically, not always.
To truly compete, especially at larger firms, along with CA you can also consider:

• CFA (especially if you want to get into equity research or asset management)
• MBA (later) from a reputed B-school. (In some organisations, MBA becomes a must for promotions or senior positions)

But for fresher roles, CA + skills + network = enough.

What is the Salary of CA in Investment Banking in India?

While numbers vary, here’s a realistic range:

• Boutique IB firms: ₹10–15 LPA
• Big 4 M&A Advisory/TS: ₹12–18 LPA
• Global Investment Banks (front office): ₹20–30 LPA starting, with big bonus upside
• Corporate Development roles: ₹12–20 LPA

Your brand, role type, and negotiation game matter. So don’t undersell.

Do Investment Banks Hire CAs in India?

Yes, especially for:

• Analyst and Associate roles in M&A
• Due Diligence roles
• Valuation roles
• Equity Research roles (specially on the sell-side business)
• Private Equity roles

Firms like Avendus, JM Financial, Unitus Capital, and even global players like Goldman Sachs hire CAs.

Is CFA Necessary for Investment Banking After CA?

Not a must - but helpful.

If you’re competing against MBAs or are applying to global teams, CFA Level 1 or 2 can genuinely boost your resume and also showcase your technical knowledge in finance.

If you’re a CA in India and you’re really interested in research, fund, or equity roles, then CFA will add a lot of credibility.

How to Move from Big 4 to Investment Banking?

One of the most common transition routes.

Big 4 Deal/Valuation/TS experience gives you:

• Exposure to deal workflows
• Strong modeling and financial review skills
• Access to IB-style clients and culture

Pro Tip: Make the move in 1–2 years. Beyond that, you may get siloed into non-IB profiles.

Which Investment Banks Hire Chartered Accountants in India?

A non-exhaustive but real list:

• Avendus Capital
• JM Financial
• Unitus Capital
• Equirus Capital
• O3 Capital
• EY/Big 4 Deal Advisory Wings
• Global Captives (Goldman Sachs, Nomura, etc.)

These firms often value depth in accounting + deal sense—your CA gives you both.

Final Thoughts: So, How to Get into Investment Banking as a CA?

Let’s recap what we’ve learned about how to get into investment banking as a CA:

• Leverage your CA articleship in a strategic way
• Learn IB tools: modeling, pitch decks, valuation
• Network intentionally—especially with CA alumni already in IB
• Start where you can (Big 4, boutiques, corporate dev) and transition in
• Stay sharp—your numbers + narrative combo is your unique edge

There’s no shortcut, but there is a clear route. And if you’ve made it through the CA grind, you already know how to hustle.