Over the past two years, Lazard, a leading global financial advisory and asset management firm, has experienced two particularly significant developments that have shaped its trajectory. In 2023, the firm saw a pivotal leadership transition with Peter R. Orszag, previously CEO of Financial Advisory, being unanimously elected by the Board to serve as CEO of Lazard effective October 1, 2023, and later expanding his role to Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2025, as reported on the Lazard Wikipedia page. This shift signals a strategic focus on continuity and experienced leadership to navigate a complex financial landscape. Additionally, in 2025, Lazard reported a notable 12% revenue growth in Q2 and outlined an ambitious strategy to double its revenue by 2030, alongside a rise in assets under management to $264.5 billion as of September 2025, according to updates from Investing.com. These milestones highlight Lazard’s renewed momentum in dealmaking and asset management, positioning it as a dynamic player in the industry. This is an exciting time for young professionals to consider joining a firm with such forward-looking goals.

Lazard, founded in 1848, is one of the world’s oldest and most respected financial advisory and asset management firms, with operations spanning North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, as detailed on their official website. Headquartered in New York, the firm specialises in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advice, capital markets solutions, restructuring, and asset management for a diverse clientele including corporations, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. As of 2025, Lazard, now reincorporated as Lazard, Inc. under Delaware law since January 1, 2024, manages approximately $264.5 billion in assets, reflecting its strong standing in the industry, per a recent report on Business Wire. Currently, it is positioned as a boutique investment bank with a global reach, competing with larger bulge-bracket banks while maintaining a reputation for specialised, high-touch advisory services. For graduates and young professionals, Lazard offers a unique blend of prestige and focused expertise, making it an attractive employer in the competitive finance sector.

Lazard’s key competitive advantages lie in its deep-rooted expertise in financial advisory services and its ability to adapt to market recoveries, as evidenced by record advisory revenue in Q2 2025, reported by Reuters. The firm’s boutique model allows for tailored client relationships, often giving it an edge over larger competitors in complex, high-stakes M&A deals. Additionally, its global presence, with strategic alliances like the 2025 partnership with Arini Capital Management for direct lending opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, enhances its market access and diversification, as noted on the Lazard Wikipedia page. Lazard’s dual focus on advisory and asset management also provides revenue stability, balancing cyclical dealmaking with steady investment income. For aspiring bankers, this means exposure to high-profile transactions and a culture that values bespoke solutions over volume.

Despite its strengths, Lazard faces certain challenges that could impact its growth and appeal as an employer. One primary limitation is its smaller scale compared to bulge-bracket banks like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan, which can restrict its ability to compete for the largest deals or offer the same breadth of services, a point often highlighted in industry analyses. Additionally, the firm’s heavy reliance on dealmaking revenue makes it vulnerable to economic downturns, as cautioned by CEO Peter Orszag in a Q1 2025 earnings discussion covered by Reuters. This cyclicality can lead to volatility in earnings and potentially affect job security or bonus structures for junior staff. For young professionals, this means weighing the prestige of working at Lazard against the stability offered by larger, more diversified institutions.

Lazard is well-positioned to capitalise on several growth areas that could appeal to ambitious graduates entering the finance industry. The firm’s strategic focus on doubling revenue by 2030, as outlined in its Q2 2025 slides reported by Investing.com, suggests a proactive approach to expanding its advisory and asset management capabilities. Emerging sectors like sustainable finance and technology-driven deals also present opportunities, especially with Lazard’s release of the 2025 Levelized Cost of Energy+ report, which positions it as a thought leader in energy transition investments, according to Business Wire. Furthermore, recent executive appointments, such as Cyrille Cotte as Head of Insurance for Europe and Christopher Hogbin as CEO of Lazard Asset Management effective December 2025, indicate a push to strengthen sector-specific expertise, as per updates on Sahm Capital. For young professionals, joining Lazard now could mean contributing to innovative projects in high-growth areas.

Lazard operates in a highly competitive and volatile industry, facing several external risks that could challenge its position and impact career prospects for new entrants. Intense competition from both boutique rivals like Evercore and larger universal banks with broader service offerings poses a constant threat to market share, especially in a consolidating advisory landscape. Economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, which can dampen dealmaking activity, remain significant hurdles, as warned by the CEO in a Q1 2025 statement covered by Reuters. Additionally, regulatory pressures and evolving client demands for digital-first solutions could strain Lazard’s traditional advisory model if it fails to innovate swiftly. For university students and young professionals, these factors underscore the importance of resilience and adaptability when considering a career at Lazard, as external shocks could influence workload and growth opportunities.