Investment banks play a central role in the global and Indian financial landscape. They do much more than just handling money—they help companies grow, expand into new markets, and make strong financial decisions. These banks manage complex tasks such as mergers, acquisitions, debt restructuring, and public offerings. They also provide in-depth research, risk analysis, and strategic guidance to their clients, which include large corporations, government bodies, and high-net-worth individuals.
The list of investment banks includes world-renowned names like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, as well as leading Indian institutions like ICICI Securities and Kotak Investment Banking. These banks act as trusted financial partners, helping organizations raise capital, manage assets, and achieve long-term business goals. As the global economy becomes more interconnected in 2025, investment banks are more vital than ever, offering expert services across borders and industries.
What are Investment Banks?
Investment banks help companies and governments get money from investors. They do not take savings like normal banks. Instead, they work with big amounts of money and give advice to firms. They also help when one company wants to buy another company. They do research, offer market updates, and make sure the deal goes smoothly. Investment banks earn money from fees, not from customer deposits. Their clients are big companies, rich individuals, and governments. Investment banks are very important because markets are growing fast, and more companies need help with financial decisions. Investment banks also create special products like bonds and shares. They connect companies that need money with people who want to invest. They also help manage large sums of money for big investors.
List of Global Investment Banks
Global investment banks are big financial companies that work across many countries. They help firms raise capital, handle mergers and acquisitions, trade stocks and bonds, and give advice on business strategies. These banks lead the world’s financial system by supporting both private companies and governments. In 2025, they use advanced digital tools, AI, and research teams to guide clients through complex deals and market conditions.
These banks focus on equity and debt underwriting, IPOs, private equity, and risk management. They also help countries raise funds for large infrastructure projects. They serve clients in every major industry, including technology, healthcare, energy, and real estate. Their wide reach and experience make them trusted financial advisors across the globe.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs started in 1869 in New York. It is now one of the most powerful banks in the world. It helps clients in areas like investment management, trading, and corporate finance. In 2025, it works in over 30 countries. It helped many large firms raise money. It also gives economic reports that many investors follow.
Goldman Sachs is known for innovation. It offers digital banking too. It uses technology and data to help clients make better choices. It works closely with tech startups and global corporations. The bank also gives services in wealth management for very rich clients.
JP Morgan
JP Morgan is another giant name in the list of investment banks. It is part of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the world. JP Morgan gives financial services in capital markets, mergers, and trading. It helps clients manage risks and grow in the market.
JP Morgan has offices in over 60 countries. It leads in equity and debt underwriting. In 2025, JP Morgan is focusing more on artificial intelligence to study the market. It helps clients get strong investment results. Many companies depend on its advice for stock listings and global trade.
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is very strong in the area of wealth and asset management. It helps big companies with advice on mergers, IPOs, and raising funds. It has a big presence in the US and Asia.
Morgan Stanley also helps startups grow by providing financial planning. It works with governments too, especially for public-private partnerships. In 2025, the bank is using green finance strategies. It helps clients invest in environment-friendly sectors. This makes it very popular with ESG-focused investors.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of America Merrill Lynch is also a big name. It helps clients with investment banking, trading, and corporate lending. It is part of Bank of America and operates across all continents.
This bank offers expert analysis and business consulting and helps in big financial transactions. It helps clients in all sectors like telecom, real estate, healthcare, and energy. In 2025, it is focusing on digital finance tools. This helps its clients make better decisions in less time.
Citigroup
Citigroup is known for its reach and large network. It helps clients across more than 160 countries. It offers services in equity financing, IPOs, debt restructuring, and treasury management.
In 2025, Citigroup is improving its technology. It uses tools like blockchain and smart contracts in banking deals. It also focuses on helping small countries raise money from global investors. The bank also helps companies build investment portfolios that match their goals.
Bank Name | Services Offered | Headquarters | Presence |
Goldman Sachs | IPOs, trading, wealth management | New York, USA | 30+ countries |
JP Morgan | Mergers, equity, debt underwriting | New York, USA | 60+ countries |
Morgan Stanley | Asset management, IPOs, financial advice | New York, USA | Global |
BofA Merrill Lynch | Lending, trading, research | Charlotte, USA | Global |
Citigroup | IPOs, debt deals, treasury, digital banking | New York, USA | 160+ countries |
List of Indian Investment Banks
India has many strong investment banks that support the country’s fast-growing economy. These banks help companies raise funds through IPOs, manage mergers, and offer expert financial advice. They also assist the government in selling shares of public companies and raising capital for development projects.
In 2025, Indian investment banks are expanding quickly. They use smart technology, hire skilled professionals, and offer digital tools for faster decisions. These banks work with startups, large firms, and global investors. They guide businesses across sectors like technology, pharma, energy, and infrastructure.
Leading names in the list of investment banks in India include ICICI Securities, Kotak Investment Banking, Axis Capital, SBI Capital Markets, and JM Financial. These banks are shaping India’s future by helping companies grow and connect with global markets.
ICICI Securities
ICICI Securities is part of ICICI Bank. It helps companies raise money and go for IPOs. It also gives advice on mergers and acquisitions. The bank helps big and small firms with finance planning.
In 2025, ICICI Securities is one of the top investment banks in India. It uses digital tools to study markets. It gives updated reports and has a strong online platform. It also helps retail investors to invest wisely.
Kotak Investment Banking
Kotak Investment Banking is part of Kotak Mahindra Bank. It offers a wide range of services. It includes capital market deals, mergers, structured finance, and private equity advisory.
Kotak has handled many top IPOs in India. It is trusted by many Indian firms. In 2025, it is helping new startups go public. It also works with global investors who want to invest in India.
Axis Capital
Axis Capital is the investment banking part of Axis Bank. It helps with equity deals, debt issues, and M&A transactions. It has a strong presence in capital markets.
Axis Capital works with companies from various sectors. These include pharma, IT, banking, and manufacturing. In 2025, it is helping mid-size companies enter the stock market. It also gives research support to large institutional investors.
SBI Capital Markets
SBI Capital Markets is a top public-sector investment bank. It is part of the State Bank of India group. It helps companies raise funds from the market. It also helps in loan syndication and infrastructure finance.
In 2025, SBI Capital Markets is focusing on green finance and infrastructure bonds. It supports projects in renewable energy, roadways, and telecom. It also helps public sector companies raise funds from the stock market.
JM Financial
JM Financial is an old and respected name in India. It provides services in wealth management, investment banking, and capital market. It works with top corporates and HNIs (high-net-worth individuals).
In 2025, JM Financial is helping companies in the real estate, finance, and retail sectors. It has teams of experts in mergers and capital raising. It also offers private equity and structured finance solutions.
Bank Name | Services Offered | Parent Company | Focus Areas |
ICICI Securities | IPOs, M&A, market research | ICICI Bank | Technology and retail finance |
Kotak Investment Bank | Capital market, private equity, and M&A | Kotak Mahindra Bank | IPOs, startup funding |
Axis Capital | Equity, debt, advisory | Axis Bank | Capital markets and mid-size firms |
SBI Capital Markets | Syndication, public offers, infra finance | SBI | Infrastructure, PSU disinvestment |
JM Financial | Wealth management, investment banking | Independent | Real estate, retail, finance |
List of Investment Banks FAQs
1. What is an investment bank, and how is it different from a normal bank?
An investment bank helps companies and governments raise money. It gives financial advice and manages big deals like IPOs and mergers. A normal bank accepts savings and gives loans, but investment banks do not do this.
2. What services do investment banks offer in 2025?
In 2025, investment banks offer IPO handling, mergers, financial advisory, debt deals, equity financing, market analysis, and risk management. Many also give digital tools and ESG investment advice.
3. Which is the top investment bank in the world in 2025?
Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are top global investment banks in 2025. They lead in capital markets, financial advice, and wealth management. They also help with global mergers and big corporate deals.
4. What is the list of investment banks in India?
The list of investment banks in India includes ICICI Securities, Kotak Investment Banking, Axis Capital, SBI Capital Markets, and JM Financial. These banks offer services in IPOs, mergers, and financial research.
5. Do investment banks only work with big companies?
No. In 2025, many investment banks will help small and mid-size firms too. They also work with startups, government projects, and rich individuals who need financial advice and investment support.