Investment Banking Courses & Certifications Online

Investment banking online courses offer a comprehensive knowledge of a vital financial sector focusing on capital raising, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and advisory services for businesses, institutions as well as governments. These courses help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a career in investment banking. By enrolling in online investment banking courses, students can gain valuable insights into the strategies and practices that drive successful investment banking operations.

Why Learn Investment Banking?

From a career perspective, investment banking is a rewarding option for several reasons:

1. High earning potential: Investment banks generate significant revenue by advising companies on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising, making investment banking a high-paying job. According to Ambitionbox, the average salary of an investment banker in India is Rs. 12.2 LPA as of February 2025.

1. Exposure to diverse industries and transactions: Investment bankers work on various deals across different industries, providing valuable exposure and insights into different business sectors, such as Technology, Media, and Telecommunications, Healthcare, Energy, Consumer and Retail, and Real Estate.
2. Challenging and fast-paced environment: Investment banking provides a dynamic and demanding atmosphere, requiring financial analysts and associates to manage intricate financial transactions with long hours. This environment nurtures both personal and professional advancement
3. Prestigious career path: Working for a reputable investment bank is not just a job. It's a stepping stone to a prestigious career path. It can open doors to other lucrative opportunities within the finance industry or in corporate leadership roles.
4. Networking opportunities: Investment banking firms provide more than just a job. They offer access to extensive professional networks, including clients, industry experts, and senior executives.
5. Development of analytical and problem-solving skills: Investment banking hones robust analytical and problem-solving abilities, crucial for navigating intricate financial challenges. 

Please note that investment banking is also known for its highly competitive nature, long working hours, and significant stress levels, which may not suit some.

Career Opportunities After Pursuing Online Investment Banking Courses

Despite the common belief that top investment banks only recruit from Ivy League schools, an analysis of LinkedIn profiles across 13 leading banks by the Financial Markets Institute reveals that only 7.4% of banking employees in the U.S. are Ivy League alumni.

While some banks employ over 20% of Ivy League graduates, JPMorgan Chase's figure is just 7.8%. This data reflects that having an Ivy League degree to become an investment banker is not mandatory.

Here are the top investment banking job roles with the respective average salary range.

Investment Banking Job Roles	Salary Range
Investment Banker	Rs. 2.0 - 45 Lakhs
Equity Research Analyst	Rs. 2.0 - 24.0 Lakhs
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Analyst	Rs. 2.6 - 25.0 Lakhs
Financial Analyst	Rs. 2.1 - 13 Lakhs
Corporate Banker	Rs. 3.3 - 65 Lakhs
Sales and Trading Analyst	Rs. 2.1 - 14 Lakhs
Risk Management Analyst	Rs. 2.1 - 23.0 Lakhs
Compliance Officer	Rs. 2.0 - 18 Lakhs
Operations Analyst	Rs. 2.5 - 8.6 Lakhs

How to Learn Investment Banking?

Investment banking offers a lucrative and rewarding career path. If you wish to learn investment banking, then there are some basic steps that you must follow - 

1. Complete Your Formal Education: To build a strong foundation in financial concepts, obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. Strong math skills are a plus, so consider statistics, accounting, or even engineering if those interest you.
2. Go For Advanced Degree (Optional): Pursue a master's degree in finance, business administration (MBA), or a related field to enhance qualifications and improve employability. Although it's not always mandatory.
3. Take up Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in finance-related roles to understand the industry, build skills, and establish connections.
4. Network!: Network extensively within the finance industry, attending events, joining professional organisations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn will create more opportunities for you and help you gain industry insights.
5. Earn Some Relevant Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) to demonstrate expertise and improve your marketability.

Educational Background: Though not mandatory, below are the desired educational qualifications to pursue a career in investment banking.

Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or BBA with core subjects like-

• Financial management
• Corporate finance
• Investment analysis
• Accounting and taxation
• Data Analytics
• Business strategy

Master's Degree: An MBA in financial management, M.Com, PG diploma in banking and finance, etc.

Beginner-Friendly Courses to Learn Investment Banking

While some investment banking courses are designed for professionals with finance experience, beginner-friendly options are available for those without a finance background. These courses typically focus on fundamental financial concepts before moving into advanced topics.

For absolute beginners, the following types of online courses can be helpful:

Introductory Finance Courses – You can consider taking below finance courses to learn the basic financial principles in a simple manner -

• The Complete Financial Analyst Course by Udemy
• Free Investment Banking Course by Wall Steet Mojo
• Corporate Finance by IIM Bangalore on edx

Accounting Basics – Understanding financial statements and accounting is essential for investment banking. Some online courses covering the basics of accounting include -

• Basic Accounting by Great Learning
• Introduction to Financial Accounting: The Accounting Cycle Specialization by Coursera
•  Financial Accounting: Foundations by Coursera

Financial Modeling Courses for Beginners – Some courses covering basic financial modelling concepts are -

• Introduction to Financial Modeling for Beginners by Udemy
• Financial Modelling and Valuation by Internshala
• Introduction to Wealth Management by Corporate Finance Institute

Excel and Data Analysis Courses – Since MS Excel is a critical tool in investment banking, taking a basic Excel and financial modelling course can be beneficial. The below courses can help you -

• Beginner to Pro in Excel: Financial Modeling and Valuation by Udemy
• Microsoft Excel for Finance, Accounting & Financial Analysis by Udemy
• Work Smarter with Microsoft Excel by Coursera

Financial Statement Analysis: As an investment banker, you must learn how to review and evaluate a company’s financial statements to assess its financial health, performance, and value for informed decision-making. Consider below courses-

• Financial Statement Analysis by Coursera
• Corporate Financial Statement Analysis by Linkedin Learning
• Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants by Coursera
• Financial Accounting and Analysis course by IIM Bangalore

Top Online Investment Banking Courses

Below are some of the most popular online investment banking courses -

Top Investment Banking Courses	Duration
Investment Strategies and Portfolio Analysis by Coursera	14 hours
Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional by Imarticus	150 Hours
Investment Banking: M&A and Initial Public Offerings by Coursera	15 Hours
Investment and Portfolio Management Specialization by Coursera	2 months at 10 hours a week
Investment Management Specialization by Coursera	1 month at 10 hours a week
Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management - Core Finance by UDEMY	7.5 hours on-demand video
PG Program in Investment Banking & Capital Markets by IMS Proschool	10+ hrs of weekday classes every week

Before enrolling in any course, research the course content, instructor credentials, and reviews to ensure it meets your learning objectives and aligns with your career goals. Consider cost, flexibility, and certification options as well.

Most Popular Vendors Offering Online Investment Banking Courses

Vendor Name	USP
Coursera	Gain access to top-tier university content. Learn from industry veterans with practical insights. Some courses offer valuable certifications or university credits.
Udemy	Wide range of investment banking courses covering topics like financial modelling, valuation, M&A, etc. Affordable and self-paced courses Catering to a broad audience
IMS Proschool	Provides practical training for real-world application. Customised curriculum designed to meet industry needs for relevant skills development. Offers placement assistance to help students advance in their careers.
Wall Street Mojo	Specialises in financial modelling and investment banking training. Provides comprehensive programs tailored for investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance careers.
edX	Courses developed by renowned universities like HarvardX Flexible learning formats Earn course completion certifications as well as academic credits recognised by universities.

How to Choose the Right Investment Banking Course?

Here are some of the pointers that can help you select the best investment banking course -

1. Know Your Goals and Your Skill Level: First, you must define your objectives and ask yourself: "Why do I want to pursue a career in investment banking?" Selecting the right investment banking course will serve your purpose better if you are clear about your objectives.
2. Prestige and reputation: Find reviews, ratings, and testimonials from alumni. Understand from the reviews if the classes have been interactive, is the course content easy to understand, or is there any career benefit that other course takers experienced? Look for authentic and detailed testimonials to give you an idea of the course content, quality of guidance and support available in the course.
3. Course Contents and Program: Look for courses that provide detailed coverage of topics like financial analysis, corporate finance, M&A, and capital markets. These topics form the backbone of investment banking activities and are essential for understanding the industry landscape.
4. Interest: See that your chosen course aligns with your current skill level and aspirations. Online investment banking courses are designed to meet the requirements of students at various levels, including beginner, intermediate or advanced, so you must ensure the content fits your interests and long-term goals. 
5. Cost and Budget Considerations: When selecting an investment banking course, consider the financial aspect carefully. You certainly want to invest wisely in your training, ensuring the course is affordable without compromising its quality.
6. Scholarships and discounts: Remember to look for scholarships, discounts, or other financial aid options. Some institutions offer these opportunities to reduce students' financial burden. Check out such deals; they may help you save loads of money.
7. Accessibility: Evaluate the accessibility of course resources. Are recorded lectures, materials, webinars, and tools always available? Make sure you have access to the resources you need for effective learning.

How to Advance Your Learning in Investment Banking?

Investment banking is a complex and ever-evolving field, so continuous learning is crucial for success. Here are some ways to advance your knowledge:

1. Learn Financial Modelling: Master financial modelling techniques, including MS Excel proficiency, to analyse and forecast financial data.
2. Master Valuation Techniques: Learn various valuation methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company analysis (CCA), and precedent transactions to assess the worth of companies and assets.
3. Understand Markets and Transactions: Study market trends, M&A transactions, initial public offerings (IPOs), and other investment banking activities to grasp the dynamics of the industry.
4. Develop Soft Skills: Enhance communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, as well as attention to detail and ability to work under pressure, crucial for success in investment banking.
5. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging trends through continuous learning, reading financial publications, and participating in relevant forums or webinars.

Pre-requisites for Learning Investment Banking

Investment banking is a niche profession that needs a perfect balance of financial literacy, analytical skills, and industry insight. There are no specific eligibility criteria per se, but there are some key prerequisites for learning investment banking listed below -

1. Educational Background (Recommended, Not Mandatory)

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.
• A Master's degree in Finance/Accounting/related domain or a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification.

2. Financial Concepts

• Advanced knowledge of financial statements.
• Knowledge of financial modelling, valuation methods, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A).
• Understanding of capital markets, IPOs, bonds, and financial derivatives.

3. Analytical and Quantitative Skills

• Proficiency in financial math, risk assessment, and market analysis.
• Strong grasp of financial ratios and projections, investment strategies, etc.
• Ability to analyze and interpret market trends and financial reports.

4. Technical Skills

• MS Excel & Financial Modelling: Ability to build valuation models, perform Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, and create pitch decks.
• PowerPoint Skills: To make presentations and investment reports.
• Bloomberg & Financial Databases: Familiarity with Bloomberg Terminal, Reuters, and other financial data sources is a plus.

5. Knowledge of Regulations & Compliance

• Knowledge of financial regulations such as SEBI (India), SEC (US), Basel norms, and RBI guidelines.
• Awareness of anti-money laundering (AML) policies and investment banking ethics.

6. Strong Communication & Networking Skills

• Ability to effectively present investment strategies and interpret financial concepts for customers
• Deal-making, merger, and acquisition negotiation skills.
• Networking with finance experts, industry leaders, and recruiters to establish a professional network

7. Certifications (Optional but Recommended)

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)  
• FRM (Financial Risk Manager)  
• National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) & National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) Certifications

8. Internship or Practical Exposure

• Gaining hands-on experience through internships in investment banks, financial advisory firms, or equity research roles can enhance your value and credibility.
• Simulated trading platforms or financial case studies can provide hands-on learning.

What Will You Learn in an Online Investment Banking Course?

Here are some skills you may acquire with an online investment banking course:

Skill Area	What You Will Learn
Investment Banking Fundamentals	Understand the role of investment banks, the types of services offered by investment banks, capital markets, and the overall financial ecosystem.
Financial Analysis	Analyze financial statements, assess company performance, and evaluate investment opportunities.
Valuation Techniques	Learn methods like DCF, CCA, and precedent transactions analysis.
M&A	Explore M&A processes, including due diligence, deal structuring, and integration planning.
Financial Modelling	Build models to forecast performance and evaluate investment scenarios.
Pitching and Presenting	Enhance your communication skills to craft and deliver persuasive investment pitches.
Risk Management	Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks in investment banking.
Networking and Relationship Building	Build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and professionals.
Programming Skills	Learn Python or R to automate tasks, and perform data analysis and financial modelling.
Data Analysis	Master techniques like regression modelling, data visualisation, and tools like Python libraries (Pandas, NumPy) or R packages (ggplot2).
Financial Modelling Software	Use tools like Microsoft PowerPoint for pitch decks or platforms like Wall Street Prep, Cube, and Jirav for financial modelling.
Database Management	Learn SQL for querying and managing financial data.
Quantitative Analysis	Apply techniques like time series analysis, portfolio optimisation, and option pricing using tools like MATLAB or Mathematica.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency	Understand blockchain fundamentals, cryptocurrency markets, and digital asset management.
Financial Reporting Standards	Study Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and other principles.
Cybersecurity Awareness	Learn best practices for protecting financial data and securing transactions.

Top Investment Banks and M&A Boutiques Offering Investment Banking jobs

To help you understand what possible job opportunities are available as an investment banker, we have listed some of the top investment banks and M&A boutiques or elite boutique investment banks (EB).

Investment Banks

Investment banks are financial giants offering a wide range of services, including both commercial and investment banking. Investment banks are distinct in that they can provide financing solutions to clients, unlike other financial institutions. These banks generally deal in large-scale transactions and can handle the biggest mandates from publicly listed companies. The parent companies of major investment banks are usually headquartered in financial hubs like London or New York, with regional offices spread across the globe.

Investment banks can be divided into two main categories based on regions:

1. American Banks: These are the largest and most influential investment banks globally, often leading high-profile deals. Some of the top American investment banks include:
   • Goldman Sachs
   • J.P. Morgan
   • Morgan Stanley
   • Merrill Lynch (now part of Bank of America)
   • Citigroup
2. European and Other Global Banks: Though not always as large as their American counterparts, European banks have a significant global presence and handle major cross-border transactions. Key players include:
   • UBS (Switzerland)
   • Deutsche Bank (Germany)
   • Barclays (United Kingdom)
   • Nomura (Japan)
   • Société Générale (France)
   • Credit Suisse (Switzerland)

M&A Boutiques

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) boutiques are much smaller, highly specialized advisory firms concentrated solely on the practice of M&A and mostly have a greater regional or niche market emphasis. Unlike large investment banks, they do not provide any financing to a client but can offer advisory work. These tend to be more specific, smaller-scale transactions involved with clients, typically at the national or regional level, and M&A boutiques enjoy a high premium for their perceived expertise,  personalized service, and deep understanding of the given industry. M&A boutiques can be divided into two main categories:

1. International Boutiques: These firms operate globally, advising on high-profile cross-border transactions, but without the capital backing of large investment banks. Prominent international M&A boutiques include:
   • Rothschild & Co.
   • Lazard
   • Mediobanca (Italy)
   • Evercore (USA)
2. National Boutiques: These firms are more regionally focused and typically handle deals within a specific country or region. While they may not have the same global reach as international boutiques, they are often deeply embedded in their local markets. Leading national M&A boutiques include:
   • Montalbán Atlas Capital (Spain)
   • GBS Finanzas (Spain)
   • Arcano (Spain)
   • AZ Capital (Spain)
   • 360 Corporate (Spain)

The Big Four Accounting Firms in M&A

The Big Four accounting firms have long been highly respected for audit, tax, and consulting competencies. While these firms offer M&A advisory in dedicated departments on mergers and acquisitions and even financial due diligence, their sizes of mandates would often be on the smaller end of the scale, as contrasted with their investment banking competitors or M&A boutiques. However, they can remain highly relevant and crucial in several commercial or financial due diligence deals. The Big Four M&A advisory services include:

• PwC
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young (E&Y)
• KPMG

These firms often support clients with operational insights, market analysis, and due diligence processes and are frequently involved in smaller, mid-market transactions.

Conclusion 

Investment banking offers a dynamic and challenging career path with substantial rewards. It provides opportunities for high earnings, exposure to diverse industries, and the development of crucial analytical and problem-solving skills. It is a demanding skill and opens doors to high-paying roles and extensive networking possibilities. For those considering entering this field, pursuing relevant education, gaining practical experience, and continuously updating skills through courses and certifications are critical steps towards a successful career in investment banking.

Rashmi Karan05-05-2025 17:13