The Inner Circle is a private leadership development community for investment banking Vice Presidents who want to strengthen their leadership and commercial capabilities as they progress towards Managing Director. The first membership cohort is centered on New York.

No. Both newly promoted and experienced VPs can benefit. The program helps members develop the skills, judgement and confidence needed as they take on greater responsibility, drawing on the experience of senior banking leaders and peers facing similar challenges.

We review applications to confirm eligibility and build a community with a mix of banks, sector experience and perspectives. Places are limited to 120 members, with a maximum of 12 from any one bank.

Annual membership includes four in-person gatherings in New York, four virtual sessions and a dedicated peer group. The program combines insights from experienced senior banking leaders with practical discussions and peer-group workshops. Example themes include developing origination capabilities, leading teams, managing senior expectations and preparing for the transition to MD.

For more detail, visit our Membership Experience page.

Sessions combine insights from experienced senior investment banking leaders with questions, practical discussion and opportunities to apply the learning to your own challenges.

Contributors include members of our Leadership Council and other senior bankers who have built client relationships, originated business, led banking teams and made the transition to MD themselves. Members learn directly from their experience, exploring the decisions, challenges and lessons behind their progression. Relevant specialists will contribute additional expertise.

There are eight scheduled gatherings across the year: four in-person evenings of approximately 3½ hours and four virtual sessions of approximately 60 minutes. After each virtual session, members can stay on for an optional catch-up with their peer group.

The program is designed to fit alongside demanding banking careers. Members are encouraged to stay in touch between sessions, and each peer group decides how often and how to meet.

Each member will join a group of approximately 20 VPs from different banks. We consider experience, sector mix and location when forming groups, with no more than two members from the same bank in each group.

Peer-group discussions help members apply session insights to their own challenges, compare approaches and learn from one another’s experience. Groups will also receive email introductions so they can stay connected and arrange informal meet-ups between sessions.

Members will have opportunities to ask questions and learn directly from senior banking leaders through structured sessions and discussions. Individual mentoring and regular one-to-one access are not included in membership.

Sessions operate under the Chatham House Rule: participants may use what they learn, but must not reveal who made a comment or identify other participants in connection with it.

Sessions will not be recorded. Members must not share confidential information about their bank, clients or transactions. Anonymous questions can also be submitted during in-person and virtual sessions.

There are no replacement sessions or recordings. A summary of key takeaways will be shared with members after each in-person gathering, respecting the confidentiality of the discussion.

You can continue learning with your peer group and taking part in the rest of the program.

Membership costs $4,000 for the year, running from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028. This is a shared membership year for the cohort, rather than a rolling 12-month subscription.

You can pay for your own membership by card when you apply. If your bank is funding your place, it can pay by card or bank transfer. IB Leaders Club is part of Altrum, which handles membership invoicing and payments.

If your bank is booking several places, it should use the company booking route. Each nominee is subject to the same eligibility review and the limit on places per bank applies.

Payment is collected as part of the application process. We then review your eligibility and confirm the outcome. If your application is not approved, your payment will be refunded in full.

Cancellation, refund and replacement arrangements are set out in the membership terms available during booking. Please review these before applying, or contact the IBLC team if you have a question about your circumstances.