Stephens
M&A Associate Director - Specialty Finance

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M&A Associate Director
Group: Specialty Finance
Location: London
WHY STEPHENS
Founded in 1933, Stephens is a privately held, family-owned financial services firm built on long-term relationships, independent thinking and a commitment to earning our clients’ trust. For generations, Stephens has helped clients navigate changing markets, pursue opportunities and develop thoughtful financial solutions that create lasting value.
With offices in strategic locations across the U.S. and Europe, we provide objective advice and precise execution across the full array of investment banking services, including M&A, public and private debt and equity capital raising, restructurings, recapitalisations and other strategic transactions. We bring sector-informed insight to public, private and family-owned businesses, as well as financial sponsors, family offices and other institutional investors.
At Stephens, bankers build their careers in a collaborative environment that values sound judgement, initiative, integrity and a commitment to client outcomes. For candidates who want to be challenged, contribute to meaningful client work and grow within a stable, relationship-driven platform, Stephens offers a place to build a meaningful investment banking career over the long term.
SPECIALTY FINANCE
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Our transatlantic Specialty Finance team represents one of the longest-standing franchises dedicated to the Specialty Finance sector, leveraging expertise built from executing M&A and capital raising advisory transactions for commercial and consumer finance clients across North America and Europe. Our senior bankers work as a team to provide expert market intelligence, advisory and execution services while aligning with our specialty finance clients as teammates and not competitors. We have deep relationships with public and private financing sources. This enables us to develop innovative debt and equity capital raising solutions as well as buy side and sell side strategies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Associate Director at Stephens, you will play a leadership role on deal teams, overseeing transaction execution while supporting senior bankers in client coverage, business development and relationship maintenance. Associate Directors are expected to manage complex workstreams, guide Associates and Analysts, maintain high standards for execution quality and develop the judgement, client instincts and commercial perspective expected of future senior bankers. Key tasks include:
- Leading the execution of live engagements from initial preparation through transaction closing
- Supporting senior bankers in client coverage and business development through idea generation, market analysis, client targeting and creation of marketing materials
- Reviewing work product prepared by Associates and Analysts to ensure accuracy, timeliness and quality
- Recruiting, training and mentoring Associates and Analysts


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QUALIFICATIONS
- 6+ years of M&A advisory experience
- Strong experience advising banks and/or non-bank lenders
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong analytical, financial modelling and valuation skills, including the ability to review and guide work product prepared by Associates and Analysts
- Demonstrated ability to manage transaction execution, prioritise competing workstreams and maintain high standards in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Ability to support senior bankers in client coverage and business development, including idea generation, market analysis and the development of marketing strategies
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
- High level of personal integrity, accountability and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
- Commitment to respecting and safeguarding confidential information and adherence to regulatory requirements
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