Corporate Finance Placement Year 2026 in City of London

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Contractual hours 36.25

Basis Full time

Job category/type

• XPS Pensions

Date posted 16/10/2025

Job reference REQ003203

Corporate Finance Placement Year 2026

Location London

Employment Type Fixed Term – 1 Year Internship, Full Time

Associate Hybrid REQ003203

This is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduates seeking hands‑on experience in corporate finance.

We are currently taking applications for undergraduates looking to pursue a placement year starting in June 2026. This role will be a 1 year placement in our vibrant London office and there will be several positions available and the possibility of a Graduate role in the future.

As well as essential criteria listed below, all applicants must:

• Please include a coversheet as the first page of your CV.
• Have the ability to work from our London office for the duration of the placement.
• Include details of module scores/grades thus far in your degree and all A\’level results (or equivalent).

Current application closing date: 28/11/2025

Interview anticipated in December.

About XPS Group

XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

About The Role

We provide covenant and broader corporate finance advisory services ranging from regular covenant evaluation to affordability assessment, corporate transactions, restructurings, refinancings, contingent asset arrangements and scheme events. We advise Trustees and Corporate clients on a wide range of areas, including:

• Assessing the strengths and risks inherent in the ability for a company to support its scheme, both now and over the longer term
• Valuation of the company and analysis of affordability in the context of commitments to all stakeholders
• Using well‑established corporate finance techniques
• Supporting trustee clients in anticipating potential corporate activity and understanding its impact on the scheme from a technical, financial and regulatory perspective, and executing plans for the scheme to facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes
• Evaluating the impact of M&A, disposals, refinancing or restructurings on a scheme
• Working closely with schemes and sponsors to establish an integrated risk management framework and provide analysis and advice to determine an appropriate balance of covenant, funding and investment risk to optimise scheme outcomes
• Other services include analysis of the strength of insurance companies, PPF levy support and advice on developing contingent asset protections, asset‑backed funding structures and project financing

Key Responsibilities

• Undertaking financial analysis of sponsors, including modelling
• Conducting industry research and evaluating key strategic issues faced by particular sponsors
• Developing an understanding of the specific issues that affect pension schemes
• May be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within capabilities

What You Will Learn

• Fundamental financial analysis (P&L, cash flow and balance sheet)
• Basic and advanced modelling techniques
• Understanding of restructuring and M&A processes
• Report writing and presentation skills>
• Broader regulatory perspectives

Your Profile: Essential

• Ability to work well in a small team
• Excellent communication and organisation skills and the ability to think outside the box
• Minimum 2:1 honours degree in any discipline, with individual module marks provided in CV
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable interest in assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of businesses
• Awareness of recent key developments in the macroeconomic environment and pensions industry
• Understanding of key financial terms and valuation metrics
• Good knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint

What We Offer

Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participation in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications via the Apply Now option or contact for more information.

Equal Opportunities Statement

XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.

Eligibility

Any employment offer made will be conditional upon DBS Disclosure checks, employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.

Who Are We

To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com