Prepare for the work as well as the timed screen. The London FAQ describes analyst responsibilities including research, financial models, client materials and communicating conclusions. The exercises below are practical suggestions, not guaranteed interview questions.
1. Explain an advisory decision
Choose a publicly announced transaction and write a short brief: the client’s objective, alternatives, strategic logic and main execution risk. Practice distinguishing verified facts from your interpretation, and explain what additional information could change your view.
2. Strengthen the foundations
Review how financial statements connect, why enterprise and equity value differ, and how valuation assumptions affect a conclusion. Work through a small numerical example aloud. Prioritize clear reasoning over memorizing lengthy technical scripts.
3. Train efficient aptitude decisions
Use short practice sessions without a calculator where your invitation requires that. Review errors by cause: misreading, calculation or spending too long on one question. Set a sensible point for moving on and practice maintaining concentration until the end.
4. Show judgment in a team
Practice discussing a problem with someone who reaches a different conclusion. Summarize their strongest point, identify the disagreement and use evidence to resolve it. Prepare a real example where your contribution improved a group outcome.
5. Make motivation specific
Explain why the relevant business and office fit your interests. For an Asset Management application, practice forming a balanced investment view with risks and an opposing case. For Financial Advisory, focus on client decisions and transaction work. These are preparation exercises, not promised questions.