Investment banking refers to a range of financial services provided by individuals, corporate entities, banks and financial institutions to corporations, governments, and other entities. These services include capital raising, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), underwriting securities, advisory services, and more

Investment banks offer various services, including capital market transactions (such as initial public offerings and debt offerings), M&A advisory, corporate restructuring, equity research, trading and sales, risk management, and financial advisory for complex financial transactions

Investment banking services can provide valuable support for your business. Investment banking firms can help you raise capital for growth or expansion, navigate complex financial transactions, access mergers and acquisitions opportunities, and receive strategic advice on corporate finance and investment decisions.

Investment bankers typically work with a wide range of clients, including corporations, institutional investors, governments, private equity firms, and high-net-worth individuals. They cater to clients across various industries and sectors.

Investment banking firms help determine the appropriate pricing and structure of the securities and then identify and distribute them to potential investors. They help manage the entire process beginning from price discovery to investor discovery to structuring the deal and bringing it to final closure, including coordination and support in documentation. Investment banks may also assist in capital raising by underwriting securities, such as stocks or bonds, on behalf of the issuing company

Yes, investment bankers provide financial advisory services, including strategic financial planning, corporate restructuring, divestitures, and debt restructuring. They offer expertise in assessing financial opportunities and risks, and provide recommendations to optimize financial performance.

Investment bankers typically receive compensation in the form of fees and commissions based on the services provided. These fees can vary depending on the complexity and size of the transaction or engagement. Specific fee structures are agreed upon through negotiation. It is typically a success-based fee. Some may even look for a small percent of equity as part of the deal.

Typically Investment banking deals are large in size and take several months to finally close. Many a times it may happen that after spending several man months on the deal, the transaction is called off for some reason. In that case, the Investment banker is left high and dry with so many months of effort gone down the drain. Hence many Investment banking firms like to charge a retainer fee for the period beginning from the date of engagement to the date of final closure.

Investment banking involves dealing in complex financial transactions coupled with the uniqueness of the various sectors and industries. Hence many Investment bankers like to specialize sector -wise or product wise. For example, some IBs may be dealing in only debt instruments, while some may be specializing only in Fintech or Edtech. There are some IBs who would be sector agnostic. In such a case, they would be having large teams with each member specialised in handling certain types of transactions.