How different and similar is the culture within an Equity Research department and the Investment Banking dept?
Asked by Kim
Culturally, what are some of the major similarities and differences between an Equity Research department and a Investment Banking department?

Best Answer:
Factual and objective reporting make up a major cornerstone of equity research. However, and this must be stated, in terms of being objective, equity research analysts in large securities firms are not "purists." The recommendations found within finalized research reports makes this true. As far as my understanding of IB, they usher companies into the capital markets and help them stay healthy in order to underwrite secondary offerings and provide advisory services. In other words, make more money off of them. Analysts in both departments do alot of travelling to companies in order to meet with CEOs and CFOs. An equity research analyst will have a longer visit if they want a guided tour of the company's operations.