Investment Bank

How to get a job at Macquarie London

20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Macquarie London actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.

London, UK (Part of Macquarie Group) 2,500+ 3.7/5/5 Glassdoor
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About Macquarie London

Company overview

Macquarie London is a major centre for Macquarie Group's EMEA investment banking and advisory operations. The London office serves clients across M&A advisory, infrastructure finance, and capital markets. Macquarie is known for specialist expertise in infrastructure, energy, and transaction advisory.

Inside the company

Culture & values at Macquarie London

Macquarie emphasises analytical excellence, client focus, and specialist expertise. The organisation values integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Teams are encouraged to develop deep expertise and drive innovation. The culture is collaborative and intellectually stimulating.

The environment balances commercial success with ethical responsibility. Client success is the primary driver.

Why people want to work here

Macquarie London offers access to specialist investment banking, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors. You'll work on complex advisory transactions with deep technical content. The bank invests in development and provides clear progression. Compensation is competitive. London placement provides access to major EMEA clients.

What to expect

Working at Macquarie London

The working environment at Macquarie London reflects the investment bank sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.

As a 2,500+-person organisation, Macquarie London sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.

The culture at Macquarie London shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Technical expertise and Analytical rigor. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Macquarie London recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.

The hiring journey

Macquarie London interview process

Macquarie uses a structured interview process spanning 3-5 weeks. Focus is on analytical capability and specialist knowledge. The bank uses case studies, technical interviews, and panel discussions.

1

Application & Assessment

45-90 minutes

CV submission followed by assessments for relevant roles. Tests may cover numerical, verbal, and case study elements.

2

First-Round Interview

30-45 minutes

Interview covering background, motivation, and commercial awareness. Assessment of understanding of Macquarie's specialist focus.

3

Technical / Case Round

60-90 minutes

Case study or technical interview on infrastructure or specialist finance topics. Candidates typically have time to prepare.

4

Final Interview

45-60 minutes

Interview with senior team members. Discussion of technical capability and cultural fit.

Typically 3-5 weeks from application to offer.

Insider tips

Research Macquarie's infrastructure and energy expertise. Demonstrate knowledge of specialist sectors. Show understanding of Macquarie's positioning in advisory. Be ready to discuss infrastructure financing and transaction structures. Prepare knowledge of recent infrastructure transactions.

Stand out from the crowd

What Macquarie London looks for

Technical expertise

Strong understanding of infrastructure finance and transaction structures.

Analytical rigor

Excellent quantitative skills and comfort with complex models.

Client focus

Commitment to delivering client value and solutions.

Specialist knowledge

Deep understanding of target sectors and market dynamics.

Problem-solving

Ability to analyse complex problems and develop creative solutions.

Real questions asked

Macquarie London interview questions

20 questions sourced from real Macquarie London candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.

  • 1Describe an infrastructure financing structure and key considerations.
  • 2How would you approach an energy sector transaction?
  • 3What is Macquarie's competitive advantage in infrastructure advisory?
  • 4Tell us about recent infrastructure market trends.
  • 5How would you structure a complex project finance transaction?
  • 6Describe your understanding of public-private partnerships.
  • 7What excites you about infrastructure investment?
  • 8Tell us about your sector knowledge and interests.

Your career here

Growth & development at Macquarie London

Career progression at Macquarie London follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many investment bank organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.

Macquarie London invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.

For banking & financial services professionals, Macquarie London offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Technical expertise and Analytical rigor — are transferable across the investment bank sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Macquarie London started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at Macquarie London

Analyst/Associate roles range from £45k-£70k base. Senior roles (manager+) range from £120k-£350k+. Bonuses typically 25-80% of base depending on role and performance.

Notable benefits

Competitive base salary with annual performance bonus
Defined contribution pension with employer match
Private healthcare and dental coverage
Life assurance (typically 4-6x salary)
25-28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Flexible and remote working arrangements
Professional development and external qualification funding
Wellness and mental health support
Parental leave and family-friendly benefits
Relocation packages for assignments

How they hire

What it's like interviewing at Macquarie London

With 2,500+ employees, Macquarie London doesn't hire in massive volumes, which means each vacancy gets focused attention. You're less likely to be processed through an impersonal system — expect more direct interaction with hiring managers earlier in the process. The flip side is that roles may appear less frequently, so when a position opens, move quickly with a strong application.

The interview culture at Macquarie London balances professionalism with personality. They're assessing whether you can do the job and whether you'll fit the team — both matter. Come prepared to demonstrate Technical expertise and Analytical rigor through specific examples, but also be ready for more open-ended conversation about your ambitions and what motivates you.

Life at the company

Work-life balance at Macquarie London

Macquarie London offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements for most roles. The specifics vary by team and function — some roles are predominantly remote, others require regular office presence — but the overall direction is towards flexibility. This isn't just policy on paper: employees generally report that managers support flexible working in practice, not just in the handbook. Notable extras include dedicated wellbeing and mental health support, generous annual leave.

The overall pace at Macquarie London is shaped by banking & financial services cycles and business priorities. Most employees report a manageable workload with occasional busy periods tied to project deadlines or seasonal demand. The company increasingly recognises that sustainable performance requires sustainable working patterns, and there's a genuine effort to support employee wellbeing alongside commercial objectives.

Frequently asked questions

What is the culture at Macquarie London?

Macquarie has a collaborative, specialist-focused culture emphasising technical excellence and deep sector knowledge. The environment is intellectually stimulating and development-oriented. Teams are supportive and mentoring is valued. The bank emphasises long-term expertise building. Work-life balance is reasonable. The culture appeals to those seeking specialist finance experience.

How does Macquarie compare to pure investment banks?

Macquarie is more specialist and sector-focused than generalist banks. Versus JPMorgan/Goldman: Macquarie has deeper infrastructure focus. Compensation is competitive. Culture emphasises specialist expertise over deal volume. Career progression depends on building deep sector knowledge.

What is the career progression?

Career progression depends on building specialist expertise and business development. Internal promotion is favoured. Progression can be steady but thoughtful. Many senior leaders have deep sector experience. Lateral hires are welcome if they bring relevant expertise.

Does Macquarie sponsor visas?

Macquarie sponsors visas for specialists with relevant expertise. The bank values global talent, particularly those with infrastructure knowledge.

What graduate schemes does Macquarie offer?

Macquarie runs graduate programmes across investment banking and operations, typically 18-24 months with rotations. Conversion to permanent roles is strong. Programmes develop sector-specific expertise.

What is the work-life balance like at Macquarie London?

Work-life balance at Macquarie London varies by role and team. Most employees report a reasonable workload with flexible working options available for many roles. Like any organisation, there are busier periods, but the overall culture supports sustainable working patterns.

Does Macquarie London sponsor work visas for UK roles?

Visa sponsorship at Macquarie London may be available for specialist roles. Check their careers page or contact their recruitment team directly to confirm whether the specific position you're interested in offers sponsorship. Immigration policy changes can affect eligibility, so verify current requirements with Macquarie London's HR team during the application process.

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