NatWest Markets is the corporate and institutional markets arm of NatWest Group, operating in the investment banking and capital markets industry. The company provides market-leading services including fixed income and currency trading, risk manageme...
People who work here often say it feels like a big bank with a smaller-team mentality. You will hear employees praise the collaborative desks and the willingness of senior traders and bankers to share knowledge. Some say they joined for the trading floor energy and stayed for the supportive colleagues. Others will point out that you’ll find a lot of structure and process — which helps newcomers but can feel slow if you like very fast-paced change. Overall, most testimonials highlight strong peer relationships and clear expectations about performance.
The company culture at NatWest Markets is a mix of professional finance rigor and a growing focus on diversity and responsible banking. There is an emphasis on risk management, client service, and regulatory compliance, balanced with initiatives around sustainability and inclusion. Many employees appreciate the clarity of values and the push to modernize products and processes. For those searching for "company culture at NatWest Markets", expect a place that is serious about doing things the right way but also open to new ideas that align with long-term strategy.
When people talk about work-life balance at NatWest Markets, experiences vary by role and team. Front-office trading roles and deal-driven teams will expect busier periods and sometimes late hours around market events. Middle- and back-office functions typically offer steadier schedules. The bank does support flexible working patterns and leaves, and many employees feel able to manage personal commitments. If you want a realistic picture of work-life balance at NatWest Markets, speak to people in your specific function — the variance is significant.
Job security at this organization will depend largely on market conditions and the function in which you work. Investment banking and markets roles are exposed to economic cycles; there will be more restructuring when markets are stressed. Corporate and support roles are typically more stable. There is a clear focus on compliance and prudent risk management, which helps institutional stability. Employees will often find that skills in trading systems, risk, and client relationship management remain in demand.
Leadership here takes a measured, compliance-focused approach. Senior executives will often emphasize long-term strategy, risk controls, and digital transformation. Communication from the top is generally structured, with periodic town halls and updates. Management will be judged on delivery against financial targets and regulatory expectations. There is an observable push toward modernizing platforms and sustainability commitments, and leadership will continue to highlight those priorities in public communications.
Managers across the firm vary in style but are frequently described as knowledgeable and approachable. Many managers will invest time in mentoring and career conversations. Some teams will have very hands-on managers who provide regular feedback; others will expect senior staff to be more autonomous. People will advise seeking clarity on expectations early and scheduling regular one-on-ones, as manager quality can significantly shape day-to-day experience.
Learning and development programs are well established. There are formal graduate and analyst programs, technical training for markets professionals, and courses on compliance and risk. Employees will have access to internal learning platforms, external certifications support, and mentoring schemes. Career development will be supported by structured review cycles and mobility programs. Those who take advantage of training resources will find clear paths to build technical and leadership skills.
Promotion opportunities will be tied to performance, business needs, and available headcount. High performers in revenue-generating roles can advance relatively quickly, particularly in trading and structuring. Non-revenue functions will see steadier, competency-based advancement. There is internal mobility across the group, which helps those who want to shift into different areas. Candidates should expect structured appraisals and transparent criteria for promotion.
Salary ranges vary widely by role and seniority. Entry-level analyst roles will typically fall in the mid-market range for UK banks, while experienced sales, structuring, and trading roles command higher base salaries. Senior roles and specialists will see significantly higher compensation. Total pay will reflect market conditions and individual performance. Salary discussions are usually honest and benchmarked against peers in the sector.
Bonuses and incentives are an important component of total compensation, particularly in markets-facing roles. Variable pay will be linked to both individual performance and business results. Risk-adjusted metrics and compliance reviews will influence payouts. Some years will have strong bonus pools; other years will be more restrained depending on profitability and regulatory considerations. Long-term incentive plans may also be offered for senior staff.
Health and insurance benefits are competitive. Typical offerings will include private medical insurance options, dental coverage, a pension scheme with employer contribution, and employee assistance programs. Parental leave and flexible benefits menus are commonly available. Benefits will be designed to meet regulatory expectations and to support employee wellbeing.
Employee engagement includes town halls, team social events, learning lunches, and community volunteering. There will be seasonal events and engagement drives focused on wellbeing, diversity, and sustainability. Networking opportunities with senior leaders happen periodically. The company will aim to foster connection across teams even when hybrid working is common.
Remote work support is well developed, with hybrid working policies in place for many roles. Technology and remote collaboration tools are provided, and IT support is generally responsive. Client-facing and trading roles will require more on-site presence, while many support functions will have flexible arrangements. Remote work policies will be aligned with team requirements and regulatory obligations.
Average working hours will depend on role and market cycles. Front-office roles will see longer hours during market peaks; typical core hours for many teams will align with business hours plus occasional extended coverage. Back-office and corporate functions will operate on more standard schedules. Time management and clear boundaries will be essential for those who value consistent daily hours.
Attrition will reflect broader market dynamics. There will be turnover in high-pressure trading desks and during strategic reorganizations. Layoffs are not unheard of during industry downturns, but the firm will typically emphasize redeployment where possible. Employees who have transferable skills and a track record of performance will find internal opportunities even during tighter periods.
Overall, this organization will appeal to professionals seeking a regulated, stable platform with strong learning opportunities and clear compliance standards. Working at NatWest Markets offers exposure to markets, client work, and a supportive network, balanced by the realities of market-driven cycles. For those prioritizing structured development, reputable benefits, and a professional culture, this will be a solid choice.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at NatWest Markets
Stable employer with clear risk frameworks and decent job security. Good benefits and reasonable flexibility to manage work and personal life.
Promotion cycles are slow and compensation isn't always competitive for the city market. Decision-making can be conservative which limits innovation.
Fast-paced environment, good exposure to markets and clients. Strong training when you join and supportive desk culture most days.
Long hours during peak market periods and less work-life balance than other teams. Internal bureaucracy can slow down simple requests.
Great technical mentorship, strong focus on cloud and modern tooling. Flexible hours and decent hybrid setup. Lots of opportunities to work on cross-functional projects.
Sometimes priorities change quickly which causes crunch sprints. Career progression can be slow unless you proactively network.
