The Inner Circle
No One Should Make The Leap To MD Alone.
The Inner Circle is a curated community for high-potential investment banking VPs preparing for the step up to Managing Director.
Through candid conversations with senior industry leaders, practical development and a consistent peer group across banks, members build the relationships and perspective to support their progression.
Join Waitlist“The elephant in the room for every VP is: how do you become a great originator?”
VP, Moelis
THE PATH TO MANAGING DIRECTOR
The Hardest Transition in Investment Banking.
Execution remains essential, but the path to MD demands a more commercial, external and leadership-led role - with greater emphasis on origination, judgement and credibility beyond your bank.
01
Executor → Originator
From doing the work to creating the opportunity.
02
Individual Expert → Team Leader
From personal output to developing and leading others.
03
Technical Banker → Trusted Adviser
From analysis to judgement, relevance and trust.
04
Internal Performer → Future MD
From firm credibility to market credibility.
The support to take your next step
Learn from senior leaders
Gain perspective on origination, leadership and the path to MD.
Build your circle
Form trusted relationships with VPs across banks.
Put ideas into practice
Strengthen your approach to clients, teams and commercial decisions.
4 NYC evening gatherings · 4 virtual sessions · Year-round peer connections
Your year ahead
Four themes at the heart of the program.
01
Making the Step Up to MD
Readiness, expectations and the shift in professional identity.
02
From Execution to Origination
Developing an authentic, repeatable approach to business development.
03
Building a Network Beyond the Bank
Strengthening relationships with clients, peers and the wider market.
04
Becoming the Trusted Adviser
Building trust, commercial judgement and lasting client relevance.
How you’ll learn and connect
Ask the MD
Anonymous questions answered candidly by senior industry leaders.
The Client’s Chair
Hear how private equity leaders and clients select, evaluate and trust advisers.
Your Inner Circle cohort
The same 20 VP peers throughout the year, sharing experiences and perspectives beyond your own bank.
BD in Practice
Pressure-test relationship habits, client plans and commercial judgement.
Built on the IB Leaders Club network
The Inner Circle brings the conversations and connections of the Investment Banking Leaders Club into a focused membership community.
The Inner Circle is guided by a Leadership Council of senior industry leaders who help shape its direction, standards and member experience, and contribute as speakers at events alongside other invited experts.
Leadership Council members include
Steve Hufford
Head of Investment Banking
Raymond James
Maria Watts
Managing Director, Head of Global Consumer Investment Banking
Baird
Matthew Zimmer
Global Head of Investment Banking
William Blair
Join the founding New York cohort
STRICTLY LIMITED
Max 120 places
Launching 2027 | Members will be curated for quality, contribution and fit, with only 120 seats.
Annual membership · $4,000 USD
Join WaitlistMembers from other cities are welcome, provided they can attend the New York gatherings.
Enquire about company placesEssential FAQs
Who is membership for?
The Inner Circle is designed for high-potential investment banking VPs preparing for the step up to Managing Director.
What does membership include?
Four New York gatherings, four virtual sessions and a consistent peer group, combining senior perspectives, practical discussions and connections across banks.
Can my bank reserve multiple places?
Yes. Company bookings can secure places before individual members are named. Contact us to discuss availability and nominations. Each nominee remains subject to eligibility approval.
