The path toward an initial public offering is long, complex and time consuming. In fact, bankers at Goldman Sachs Group
Inc (NYSE: GS) completes no less than 127 steps for each
deal, but the firm recently took a look at how many of these steps can be handled through automation.
The answer so far is more than 60 steps don't require any effort from humans and can be done by computers, Bloomberg
reports. Thousands of hours of human labor has been eliminated through an interface called Deal Link, which for the time being,
replaces informal checklists.
What's The Deal With Deal Link?
Deal Link automatically tracks legal and compliance reviews and can fill in forms and generate reports for managers. This is
particularly advantageous for junior bankers who can skip the mundane and repetitive tasks and focus on more satisfying work.
George Lee is credited with creating the automation process, Bloomberg added. As a veteran of Silicon Valley, he brought his
experience with him and now holds the title of the chief information officer of the investment banking unit.
Ironically, Goldman appears to have no intention of eliminating job posts and
save on millions of dollars in hefty salaries. For starters, by Wall Street investment banking standards, associates are relatively
cheap compared to directors. Also, banks look to associates and juniors within the firm to fill senior roles and terminating a
significant amount of young employees would risk "ossification."
Finally, Lee argues that for the time being demand for human ideas -- not machines remains a top priority.
"Our strategy is to elevate the activity and impact of bankers," he told Bloomberg. "Not replace it."
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