Investment Banking Division – FIG Italy (London) – Associate

Role overview

Morgan Stanley’s Banking Group partners with corporations, institutions, and public-sector clients to design and deliver tailored solutions for complex strategic and financing challenges in global markets. The broader group brings together sector specialists and product experts across M&A, Global Capital Markets, Real Estate, Healthcare, and other areas to provide market insight, creativity, and execution support across a wide range of transactions.

The Financial Institutions Group (FIG) focuses on helping clients in the financial services sector with innovative and customised advice. Its client base includes major European banks, insurers, asset managers, and exchanges. The team handles both domestic and cross-border assignments such as acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, joint ventures, restructurings, recapitalisations, spin-offs, exchange offers, equity and debt capital markets work, leveraged buyouts, and takeover defence situations, as well as shareholder relations matters.

Responsibilities

• Support and help lead the execution of corporate finance assignments, including IPOs, M&A, and strategic advisory work.
• Carry out financial modelling, strategic analysis, and detailed industry and company research.
• Take part in team discussions and contribute to client-facing meetings.
• Deliver quick, accurate views on market conditions and implications for clients and colleagues.
• Build clear, persuasive client materials and presentations.
• Serve as a mentor and example for Analysts while helping strengthen team culture.
• Work closely with senior bankers within the team and across related groups.

Requirements

• A top-tier master’s degree, or an international equivalent, in finance or a closely related subject from a leading university.
• Prior investment banking or corporate finance/M&A experience, or an equivalent background.
• Sector knowledge and understanding of the corporate environment is an advantage.
• Fluency in both English and Italian.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling capability, which is essential for success in this role.
• Good understanding of accounting principles and core financial concepts, including business valuation.
• Leadership presence, high motivation, and the ability to manage people and processes effectively.
• Clear understanding of professional ethics and the regulatory environment.
• Strong personal integrity and commitment to best-in-class professional standards.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a consistent focus on high-quality output.
• Self-driven, proactive, and focused on achieving goals.
• Well-developed organisational skills and the ability to manage several priorities under pressure.
• Strong team orientation and the ability to collaborate effectively in a group setting.

Additional information

Morgan Stanley’s purpose is to raise, manage, and allocate capital for clients, helping them achieve their objectives. The firm highlights a long history of client service and emphasises values such as putting clients first, acting with integrity, bringing forward exceptional ideas, supporting diversity and inclusion, and contributing to communities. Employees work in a collaborative environment with opportunities to learn, grow, and move across the business for those who demonstrate drive and commitment.

The company also notes that it offers a broad range of employee benefits and perks, and encourages candidates to explore its global offices for more information.

Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements

If the position is classified as a certified role, the holder may need to possess mandatory regulatory qualifications or meet internal minimum qualification standards.

Flexible working

Morgan Stanley states that flexible working arrangements may be available, and candidates can discuss options with the recruitment team.

Equal opportunity

The firm is committed to equal opportunity and to maintaining a diverse workforce. Hiring, development, and progression are based on skills and talent, and the organisation says its workforce reflects the communities in which it operates.