World’s best bank for financial institutions 2017: Goldman Sachs

There are few sectors in which the demands of clients vary as markedly as they do in FIG. The world’s best FIG bank needs to be proficient not only in equity raisings and M&A but arguably even more importantly in capital repair and complex balance sheet solutions. This year’s winner, Goldman Sachs, is just that. 

There is no doubt that it is the strength of Goldman’s FIG advisory offering that is at the root of its success. Last year’s winner in the FIG category, Citi, has a vast suite of offerings, from balance-sheet lending to advisory and transaction services. By contrast, Goldman has managed to be involved in every important recapitalization and restructuring of a financial institution in Europe in the last 12 months primarily on the strength of its creative advice.

“This is reflective of our franchise,” says Todd Leland, London-based global co-head of FIG for Goldman with Luke Sarsfield in New York. Sarsfield took up the role in January this year when Mike Esposito became chairman of the global FIG group.