Boutique

A boutique might be perfect for you if you're tired of working in the rat race of a large investment house, or if you’re a customer who feels like a number whenever you need advice.

Smaller in size and with a focus on a particular segment of the market, boutique firms are gaining in popularity with customers and portfolio managers alike. They usually get involved in deals worth $500 million or less...you know, pocket change...and might have a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, a particular industry, or leveraged buyouts. Boutique firms want their customers to feel like they're getting more individualized services tailored to their specific needs. They're the Jerry Maguire to your Rod Tidwell.

Most importantly, many are outperforming the big investment firms known as “bulge banks” in regard to return on investments (ROI) and exceeding other benchmarks. Might be due to having a more entrepreneurial spirit with an emphasis on innovation and flexibility. Employees can scout around for new opportunities and handle a big deal from start to finish, where in a large firm you are more...specialized.