At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on high-profile equity capital market transactions.
- Company: Leading international firm with a strong reputation in life sciences and biotech.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, no formal billable hours target, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Engage in substantial transactions with high-profile clients and enjoy excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Build a specialist practice in a thriving sector with direct access to senior expertise.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years PQE in equity capital markets and a passion for life sciences.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
A leading international firm is seeking an Equity Capital Markets Associate (2–5 PQE) for its London office. The team has built a strong track record advising on IPOs, follow-on offerings and private placements across major exchanges, with particular strength in mandates for high-growth, founder-led and life sciences businesses.
This is a specialist ECM seat within a practice recognised for handling London Main Market transactions as well as dual-listings, and for advising foreign private issuers on their listing mandates. The team's client base is weighted towards listed life sciences and biotech companies, reflecting genuine depth in the sector rather than occasional exposure.
Recent work has included advising on:
- A strategic collaboration and connected share sale and underwritten public offering for a listed biotech
- A large, high-profile convertible notes offering
- A significant private placement offering
- An upsized public stock offering
- A major convertible notes issuance
- A secondary share transaction at a multi-billion-dollar valuation
The team's work regularly spans transactions ranging from tens of millions to well over a billion dollars in value.
What Sets This Apart
- Genuine sector specialism. Rare opportunity to build a dedicated life sciences and biotech capital markets practice, rather than generalist ECM exposure.
- Cross-border strength. A strong track record on dual-listings and advising foreign private issuers on their listing mandates.
- High-value deal flow. Regular involvement in substantial, market-facing transactions for sophisticated, high-profile issuers.
- Direct access to senior expertise. The practice is led by a highly regarded capital markets partner recognised for handling both London Main Market transactions and dual-listings, alongside a partner known specifically for life sciences work and advising foreign private issuers.
- No formal billable hours target (typical utilisation c.1,800 hours), bonus opportunity of c.10% with enhanced multipliers for high performers, and a competitive pension contribution.
Reach out for more details.
ECM Associate in City of London employer: Buchanan
Join a leading international firm in London as an Equity Capital Markets Associate, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises genuine sector specialism and high-value deal flow. With no formal billable hours target and opportunities for significant bonuses, you will benefit from direct access to senior expertise and a supportive environment that fosters employee growth and development in the life sciences and biotech sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ECM Associate in City of London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Buchanan. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace ECM Associate in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Buchanan.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Buchanan's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Buchanan.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Buchanan will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Buchanan employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
