Books every finance professional should know

Breaking into finance is about more than just technical skills. The most successful professionals know how markets move and how major deals come together. The best way to build that knowledge early is by reading the books that top investors and bankers swear by.

This week, we highlight three must-know books will help you master the technical skills needed to land a job and give you an inside look at how Wall Street operates.

• 📖 The Investor’s Playbook

• 📊 Mastering Financial Analysis and Valuation

• 🏦 The Power Plays of Wall Street

— Investor Briefcase Team

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

This book is the foundation of value investing and has shaped the thinking of some of the world’s greatest investors. Benjamin Graham lays out timeless principles on how to evaluate investments, manage risk, and think long-term instead of getting caught up in short-term market noise.

Warren Buffett has called it the best book on investing ever written. Its lessons on intrinsic value and margin of safety go beyond just stock investing. They are core principles that apply to private equity, hedge funds, and investment banking.

If you want to develop a disciplined and rational approach to finance while grasping the fundamentals, then this book is a must-read.

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Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers and Acquisitions by Joshua Rosenbaum and Joshua Pearl

This book is one of the most widely used resources for those pursuing careers in investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance. It provides a step-by-step guide to valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts, making complex financial models easy to follow.

It is widely used by investment banking analysts and private equity professionals to build financial models and understand how deals are structured. For anyone preparing for finance interviews, this book will give you an edge in technical assessments and real-world applications.

Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar

This book tells the inside story of the legendary leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, one of the most famous private equity deals in history. It provides a front-row seat to the high-stakes negotiations, power struggles, and financial maneuvering that define Wall Street deal-making.

Understanding how billion-dollar takeovers happen is crucial for anyone pursuing investment banking or private equity. This book does not just explain the mechanics of an LBO. It brings it to life with real people, real stakes, and real lessons on corporate finance at the highest level.

📖 Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis

An inside look at the aggressive culture of Wall Street trading desks in the 1980s. It is an entertaining but insightful book that helps readers understand the mindset of finance professionals.

📖 Principles by Ray Dalio

A deep dive into the decision-making frameworks and work culture that built one of the world’s most successful hedge funds. This book outlines the principles of effective leadership, strategic thinking, and risk management that are essential for success in finance.

If you want to succeed in finance, start by learning from the best. These books are the foundation for building real expertise in the industry, and every finance professional should be familiar with them.

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