Back office provides support for the bank’s administrative functions and ensures the smooth functioning of the organization.
The operations department within an investment bank is responsible for executing and settling actions initiated by front office units while ensuring strict adherence to risk and regulatory guidelines.
Similar designated operations teams exist in various other divisions within the bank, such as investment banking operations and HR operations, though the specific organizational structure may vary between banks.
Operations holds a critical role within an investment bank, ensuring that all transactions are executed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
The operations function is global in scope, offering operations professionals the opportunity to work in diverse regions and countries, providing valuable international experience and exposure to different business practices and cultures.
The operations department can be best characterized as a team that serves other departments within the bank as if they were its clients, supporting the overall operational needs of the organization.
In terms of recruiting, entry-level positions in operations often focus on fit-based assessments with minimal technical questions. A crucial aspect of succeeding in interviews within this field is convincing the interviewer of your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role, often even more so than for the high-profile positions in the financial services industry.
The human resources (HR) department conducts the process of acquiring, training, evaluating, compensating, and addressing the various needs and concerns of employees.
HR roles can be broadly categorized into generalists, who handle a wide range of HR functions, and specialists, who focus on specific areas of HR expertise.