London Banking Tour 2025-2026

About
In September 2026, 26 selected Dutch students will take part in the 33rd edition of the London Banking Tour, FSA’s flagship programme offering a unique introduction to the world of investment banking. The Tour provides participants with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to leading financial institutions in one of the world’s foremost financial centres.

London is home to hundreds of financial institutions packed into its famous “Square Mile” and “Canary Wharf”. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone curious about the fast-paced world of finance, particularly investment banking. The London Banking Tour offers participants a structured and immersive way to experience this environment first-hand.

Over the course of two weeks, participants will visit a range of top-tier investment banks in both the Netherlands and London. The programme combines presentations, technical case studies, and formal as well as informal networking opportunities with professionals across the industry. Accommodation is provided at a centrally located hotel in London, ensuring efficient access to all participating institutions.

A career in investment banking requires a high level of commitment, analytical ability, and resilience. The London Banking Tour is designed to provide participants with a realistic understanding of the industry, while equipping them with insights and connections that support the transition from academic study to a career in finance.

Programme

• 4 September – Amsterdam Rabobank (PM)
• 7 September – Amsterdam Houlihan Lokey (PM)
• 8 September – Travel to London (Train)
• 9 September – London Goldman Sachs (AM) | Rothschild & Co (PM)
• 10 September – London Lazard (AM) | Citi (PM)
• 11 September – London J.P. Morgan (PM)
• 14 September – London Nomura (PM)
• 15 September – London Morgan Stanley (AM) | Barclays (PM)
• 16 September – London RBC Capital Markets (PM)
• 17 September – London Bank of America (PM)
• 18 September – London Moelis & Company (PM)
• 19 September – Return to Amsterdam (Train)

Who are we looking for:
We are looking for highly motivated students in the final stage of their bachelor’s or currently enrolled in a master’s programme, with a strong affinity for finance and, in particular, investment banking.

Applicants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. While a degree in economics or finance is not required, candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in financial markets, corporate finance, and advisory work.

Prior experience through internships in corporate finance, M&A, investment banking, private equity, or related fields is considered advantageous, as it reflects both commitment and familiarity with the industry.

Fluency in Dutch is required for participation in the programme.

For candidates without a formal finance background, we recommend developing a solid foundation in investment banking concepts prior to the start of the programme, for example through resources such as Vault: Career Guide to Investment Banking or Breaking Into Wall Street: 400 Questions.

How to apply:
To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• University Grade Transcript. Please submit all relevant and up-to-date university transcripts, including transcripts from both your bachelor’s and master’s programmes, where applicable.
• Cover Letter.

The file should be named as follows:
CV_Grades_FirstName_LastName.pdf

Following submission, you will receive an additional application form via email, which must be completed to finalise your application. Please note that applications will only be considered once this form has been completed.

After the application deadline, a pre-selection of candidates will be shared with the participating banks. Based on these applications, the banks will nominate their preferred candidates. The final selection process includes interviews organised by the committee.

Please note that these interviews will take place in person in June and form a mandatory part of the selection procedure.

Following the interviews, selected candidates will be invited to participate in the London Banking Tour. Participation in the programme requires a participant contribution.

Event details:

• Date: September 4th until September 19th, 2026.
• Target Group: This event is designed for students from all backgrounds in the final stage of their Bachelor or Master’s study. An economics-related study background is not a requirement for participation in the event. Therefore, we welcome students from all fields of study who have an affinity with finance.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in Dutch is required.
• Selection process: CV-selection.
• Application deadline: May 20th, 2026, 23:59.

FAQs:

• Can you make any exceptions to the language requirement?

No, we can’t. The banks recruit for their BeNeLux teams and therefore require their team members to be fluent in Dutch. Thus, we need all participants to be able to speak Dutch fluently.

• I can’t seem to merge my forms. Can I hand them in separately?

No, we need all documents in one merged PDF-file. There are numerous online pages where you can merge documents for free. We receive too many applications to merge the documents ourselves. In case your transcripts are protected, please contact your university.

• I made a mistake in my application form/I forgot to hand in one of my files. What now?

Please first notify us of this error through the e-mail address below. You will then be allowed to hand in your files again and resubmit your application form with the correct information.

• I don’t have a finance or economics background. Can I still apply?

Yes, we encourage everyone who is motivated to work in Investment Banking to apply. However, we do recommend preparing yourself by reading Vault: Career guide to Investment Banking and Breaking into Wall Street: 400 questions.

• I already graduated. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can. However, most banks look for students that are in their penultimate or final year of study due to the specific internship timelines and eligibility. In case you participate in the LBT 2026 and receive an offer, you’ll either start with an off-cycle in January 2027, or with a summer internship in 2027. After your summer internship, there is a possibility of getting a full-time offer starting in summer 2028.

• To whom should I address my motivation letter? In what language should I write the letter? What are key points to include in the letter?

The motivation letter will be sent to the banks, so it needs to be written in English. There is not one way to write a strong cover letter, but it needs to address your motivation to participate in the Tour and why you want to work in investment banking. Furthermore, we encourage you to be as creative and authentic as possible.

If you have any remaining questions, please reach out to [email protected].