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Houlihan Lokey Placement Guide

Investment Banking (Advisory) · Los Angeles, USA (India: support teams) · ~2,800+ employees · Founded 1972

Houlihan Lokey is a leading global independent investment bank, the top firm in M&A advisory by deal count and a leader in restructuring and valuation, with India support teams. A finance analyst recruiter.

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Business Model

An independent advisory leader — No.1 in M&A by deal count and a top restructuring franchise.

Revenue streams

Key products

Customers

Salary & Roles

₹10 – 26+ LPA (analyst/associate tracks in India support)

Roles typically hiring for

Eligibility criteria

Typically 60%+ throughout (private banks/MNCs often 7.0+ CGPA), strong numerical ability and communication. Open to most disciplines; finance/economics/commerce preferred for core roles, engineering for quant/tech.

Hiring timeline

On-campus Aug–Dec; bank PO exams and off-campus drives run year-round. Offer to joining: 2–6 months.

Skills to prepare

Financial & accounting fundamentalsNumerical ability & data interpretationBanking & economic awarenessExcel & financial modellingCommunication & relationship-buildingAttention to detail / risk mindset

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • No.1 M&A by deal count
  • Leading restructuring
  • Independent (no conflicts)
  • Counter-cyclical mix

Weaknesses

  • Deal-cycle sensitivity
  • Mid-market focus
  • Talent-dependent
  • Smaller balance sheet

Opportunities

  • Restructuring in downturns
  • Mid-market M&A
  • Valuation work
  • Private capital

Threats

  • Market cycles
  • Competition (boutiques/bulge)
  • Talent costs
  • Macro risk

Competitors

Lazard Rival

Advisory/restructuring.

Evercore Rival

Advisory.

Moelis Rival

Advisory.

Rothschild Rival

Advisory.

Industry Intelligence

Independent advisory banks win on conflict-free advice; Houlihan Lokey leads M&A by deal count with a counter-cyclical restructuring franchise.

Key trends

Outlook

A diversified advisory mix smooths cycles; deal flow is the key swing factor.

No.1 by count
M&A
Global
Leader
Restructuring
Counter-cyclical
Yes
Independent
No conflicts
Mid-market
Focus
Advisory

Interview Process

Stage-by-stage, with tips and sample questions

1

Aptitude / Online Test

Quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, English, and often banking/financial awareness or a basic finance section.

Tips
  • Practice DI sets and quant under time pressure
  • Read business newspapers for current affairs & banking awareness
  • Revise percentages, interest, ratios and TVM
Sample questions
  • Data interpretation on a financial table
  • Simple vs compound interest problem
  • Current affairs: RBI repo rate / recent policy
  • Logical reasoning puzzle
2

Technical / Finance Round

Tests core finance, accounting and banking concepts, plus role-specific knowledge (markets, credit, risk).

Tips
  • Master 3 financial statements and how they link
  • Know banking terms: NIM, CASA, NPA, SLR/CRR, Basel
  • Be ready to discuss markets and a recent deal/news
Sample questions
  • Walk me through the three financial statements.
  • What is NIM and how does a bank make money?
  • Explain NPA and provisioning.
  • What is the difference between equity and debt?
  • How would you value a company?
3

Case / Situational Round

A business or credit scenario testing commercial judgement, risk awareness and structured thinking.

Tips
  • Structure your answer; state assumptions
  • Think about risk and return together
  • Quantify wherever possible
Sample questions
  • Would you lend to this small business? What would you check?
  • How would you grow CASA deposits in a metro branch?
  • A client wants to hedge currency risk — what do you suggest?
4

HR / Fit Round

Motivation, integrity, stress-handling, relocation and culture-fit assessment.

Tips
  • Have a sharp “why banking / why this bank”
  • Show integrity and attention to detail
  • Be flexible on location and targets
Sample questions
  • Why banking and why our bank?
  • Are you comfortable with sales targets?
  • Tell me about a time you handled pressure.
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why banking / financial services?

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

Why our bank over competitors?

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

Are you comfortable with targets and relocation?

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

Walk me through the three financial statements.

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

What is CASA, NIM and NPA?

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

Difference between repo rate and reverse repo rate.

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

Should the bank approve this loan? What do you assess?

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

How would you increase deposits at a branch?

Structure your answer with a specific example from your resume or coursework, then use the AI Coach on the interactive page below for a tailored practice answer.

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