Mastering Investment Banking Securities

2

Investment bank organisational structure

Front office

Middle office

Back office

INTRODUCTION

Investment banks are broadly split into three sections: front office, middle office and back office. This division is necessitated partly by the operational needs, allowing the common functions to be grouped together, thus functioning more efficiently. However there is also a statutory requirement to separate investment-making divisions from the compliance, control and risk management departments. This ensures the impartiality and objectivity of all reporting lines.

There is a common perception that the most interesting jobs can be found in the front office, but each investment bank department plays a crucial part in the successful business operation, ...