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The Harrison Rush/Fire Drill Weekly Wrap-Up
A Brief, Reliable, Rundown of the Investment Banking Recruiting Market.
Q2 2025 M&A Market Snapshot: Strategic Scale Over Volume
Mega-Deals Return, But Overall Volume Drops
Despite a 17% year-over-year decline in global M&A deal volume, total disclosed deal value jumped over 30%. The uptick was driven by the resurgence of “mega-deals,” signaling confidence among well-capitalized buyers. Strategic acquirers and PE sponsors shifted their focus toward transformative acquisitions rather than incremental bolt-ons.
Thematic Focus: AI, Defense Tech, Climate Innovation, Software, Healthcare Tech
M&A activity gravitated toward sectors at the intersection of long-term growth and geopolitical relevance. Investment flowed into AI infrastructure, defense technologies, climate solutions, Software, and Healthcare Tech — sectors seen as resilient and essential amid macro uncertainty.
Private Market Gold Rush
More than half of the largest deals this year targeted unlisted companies. This reflects a growing conviction that untapped value — and less regulatory friction — can be found in the private arena, especially as public market volatility persists.
Investment Banking Performance: Advisory Holds, Underwriting Slips
Advisory Resilience in Uncertain Terrain
Advisory revenue continued to outperform as clients leaned heavily on bankers to guide complex, high-value deals through volatile macro waters. While underwriting remains cyclical, advisory has proven to be a steady anchor.
Outlook: Below-Trend Quarter, But Hopes for H2 Rebound
The top U.S. banks are expected to fall short of the $7 billion advisory and underwriting revenue streak, with Q2 projections landing between $6 billion and $ 6.5 billion. That said, many expect a better second half if macro and regulatory conditions remain stable, particularly with cash on hand and strategic urgency mounting.
Geographic Divergence: Asia and the Middle East in Focus
India and the Middle East stood out for their rising deal volumes. Asia’s M&A market nearly doubled — driven in part by intra-regional consolidation and sovereign capital deployment. These regions are now at the forefront for global dealmakers looking beyond North America and Western Europe.
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Interfaith Ministry
In June, I completed my Interfaith Ministry program with All Faith Seminary International. Interfaith ministry involves training individuals to serve as ministers across different faith traditions. The program equips students with knowledge of various religions, along with skills in counseling, ritual, and ceremony, to support individuals and communities with diverse spiritual needs. I volunteer as a hospice worker and have an active music therapy practice. I am available to anyone who is seeking spiritual guidance or support.
Through this training, students gain the tools to support understanding, peace, and cooperation
among different faith and cultural groups, addressing universally human spiritual needs inclusively and compassionately.