Initially a great place to work before the crisis and the merger; post crisis limited pay and opportunity.
Pros
Benefits of a large French parent with a small investment banking footprint in New York. One can gain exposure to numerous people and functions within the bank. It is a great learning experience for someone entering the banking industry, as you have to be a generalist in your duties as opposed to compartmentalized. Benefits are solid and competitive with other investment banks and the employee contributions are relatively low. Lunch was free but not sure if this program is still in place. There are at least three weeks vacation, four weeks for vice presidents or higher, and up to five weeks vacation after five years of service. Up to date computers, mobile devices and systems. The working hours were reasonable.
Cons
Bureaucracy and politics pervasive throughout the bank. French nationals and French speaking employees are definitely favored. Paris head office is slow to react to NY trading desk requests and there seems to be a communication breakdown regarding the understanding of risk between NY and Paris. Compensation is lower than average for investment banks based on anecdotal information. As it is a small bank in New York, opportunities are limited. Senior management, especially in risk, are not open to promoting people to different areas within risk. However, for French speakers willing to go to Paris there is more to choose from.