Bank Interview Question With Answer: What would you do if I gave you $100,000?

“If I gave you $100,000 right now, what would you do with it?” Ah, the classic “does this kid have a brain?” Question. must be one of the easiest investment banking interview questions you’ll ever have a lot of fun once you’ve cracked your 5 part answer.

But to crush it you must avoid the answers kill bug which approximately 2/3 of the students do; they think the banker is asking them what them they would do with the $100,000 if they had it personally.

And although the question seems directed to you and your personal situation, it is not. Nor is it directed at the banker who interviews you.

How are you supposed to handle this question then? As a budding consultant, you must first answer this question with a question

“Who is the investor and what are their objectives, risk profile, etc.?”

Yes it’s correct. Put on your $60k year financial planner hat and find out about the type of return that mythical investor wishes, cash flow requirements over time, your personal tax situation, preferred asset classes, favorite industries, etc.

PS Unlike management consulting case interviews, don’t expect a banker to offer you that much additional information – 2 or 3 points and they’re usually done. After all, this is a small question in investment banking interviews.

Based on this new information, you can explain what you would do. Suggesting an investment strategy that even remotely takes this new information into account will earn you an A here.

If you want to take your answer to an A+ level…

  • put together a several portfolios of stocks, bonds, real estate, cash, and other alternative asset classes. Students who fail to combine asset classes and instead offer just one in an “Oh, risk aversion, so I’d invest the money in bonds” style are idiots. That’s a blunt investment strategy with zero ounces of financial finesse – different asset classes offer different risk/return/cash flow/tax consequences etc., so mix and match with that in mind.
  • Mention how much of each in $amountsno %: This is a small point, but it can make a big difference for bankers.
  • Y explain assignments using the investor’s personal information, particularly their risk profile, income requirements over time, lifestyle goals and personal tax situation.

But when all is said and done, don’t be so sophisticated that you are confused! Wondering out loud “Oh, but wait, maybe…” as your fucking Drew Barrymore will undo all your hard work in an instant.

PS If the bankers turn around and say the mythical investor is in fact you – and therefore what would ‘you’ do with $100,000? – use the same response strategy as above, but adapt it to your youth circumstances. Tip: a time horizon of 40+ years = lots of stock!

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