Pros
An atypical investment bank where work-life balance is highly encouraged. Paid time-off, personal days and sick days are provided.
Employees gain experience across a plethora of industries and working with a wide variety of clientele. Almost every employee has direct client access.
Started in the UK which provides a successful and proven business model, highly effective and competent at selling different types of companies.
Cons
Lack of transparency and no clear indication of responsibilities, or the chain of command.
Success fees are not clearly allocated. They seem to be at the commencement, but changes in deal teams, new employees joining, existing employees leaving, and colleagues providing assistance, are some of the primary factors that create confusion as to what is due to whom when transactions close.
No investment in employee's advancement, education, certifications, etc. It creates either complacency or expectation of turnover.
Also, be sure to negotiate any salary increases prior to starting employment because it could be years before a raise is given (Cost-of-living increases included in this statement!)
Finally, employees are told that they can expect a discretionary bonus based on personal and company performance. However, don't expect any bonus. No year-end, holiday, performance bonus, etc.