Emerging Power or Emerging Bubble? What You Do in the Latin America Coverage Group at an Investment Bank

Investors like growth.

And now that they aren’t getting it in developed economies, whether they’re looking at industrials, consumer retail, or other sectors, they’re turning their attention south and east – to the BRIC countries and other emerging markets.

We’ve been through what to expect in China and India multiple times (Russia, you’re next on the list), but Brazil hasn’t received much attention.

Actually, I’ll correct that statement: Latin America has received no attention so far.

That changes today with an interview from a reader who started out in risk management in Latin America and then networked his way into investment banking to cover Latin America at a New York-based investment bank.

Keep reading to learn how you can do the same, what it takes to cover Latin America, and how everything from valuations to pitch books differs – plus, whether it’s an emerging power or just an emerging bubble.

Breaking In

From Top Chef to Top Bank: How to Break Into Investment Banking in Canada

Back when I was visiting Canada last year, I discovered something disturbing within 2 days: no US banks had ATMs there.

Oh, and none of my debit cards worked correctly either.

Luckily, all places that offer bottle service (which served as my meal 3 times per day) accepted credit cards so it turned out OK.

But this little trip confirmed something that I already knew: finance in Canada is a much different world.

And I’m not just talking about ATMs.

Everything from the finance industry itself to exit opportunities to compensation and deals is… more different than you’d expect.

So today you’re going to learn all about how to gain secret, ninja advantages in interviews – directly from a reader who currently works in investment banking in Canada, and who’s had experience in venture capital and related industries there.

And you might just learn how to make the move from restaurant manager to financier along the way, too.

Breaking Into Investment Funds in Eastern Europe: How to Get Screwed on Your Bonus and Then Leave for Ethical Reasons

Ah, Eastern Europe.

Just hearing about the region might suddenly give you visions of super-cheap, capitalism-friendly countries where finance is still a booming industry and the place to be.

But the actual story – from recruiting to bonuses to deals to exit opportunities – is very different from what you’ve read about in the news.

You’ve already heard from a reader who studied and worked in Poland and then moved to London – so this time around we’ll speak with someone who did the opposite and decided to stay in his home country.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Just how easy – or difficult? – it is to get hired in Eastern Europe.
• What the finance industry is like in Eastern Europe and how deals and technical work differ.
• Why you might get screwed on your bonus, especially if you work at a less-than-ethical fund.
• How smaller firms there think about compensation, work hours, and client service “differently.”