How is investment banking different from wealth management and what are some of the key differences?

The world of finance is ever-expanding. With it, the range of services organisations and individuals need have also become extremely specific. The core purpose of both investment banking firms in India and wealth management firms is to help their clients manage their assets and/or wealth. However, asset management is the only common ground between these two varied services. Let’s look deeper at each of them to understand what they offer.

Investment Banking:

Investment banking firms in India and over the world usually deal with corporates, governments and institutional investors. The range of services an investment banking firm provides are:

Advising about mergers & acquisitions – Huge corporations and institutions are usually on the lookout to acquire new businesses to increase their portfolio. Investment banks act as a negotiator between the two companies and helps their client acquire or sell a business and help with restructuring the newly acquired business.

Underwriting – When a corporate or an institution wants to raise money by selling bonds, issuing shares or raising an IPO, investment banking firms raise money on behalf of the organisation.

Researching investment opportunities – Investment banking firms in India study, analyse, report and recommend new investment opportunities for their clients and help them earn profits.

Trading – Investment banking firms in India usually have a sales and trading team which helps their client manage money with either equity or bond transactions or both.

Commercial & retail banking – Although not all investment banks have the license to offer banking services, those who have acquired a license can offer services such as deposit placement, accounts for savings, cheque, mortgage and loan services, etc.