FT Partners Superday Guide
Everything you need to know to prepare for and succeed in your FT Partners Superday. This guide covers the format, what to expect, and proven strategies from successful candidates.
Last updated April 2026 · By the Superday AI editorial team
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Full Day (8-12 hours)
4-6 Back-to-Back
San Francisco, CA Office
Superday Format
Typically 4-5 interviews with heavy emphasis on fintech sector knowledge, M&A technicals, and genuine passion for financial technology. Expect questions about fintech trends, business models, and recent deals in the space.
Typical Day Structure:
Arrival at FT Partners
Candidates arrive at FT Partners' San Francisco office and are introduced to the team. The environment is boutique and intellectually charged, with a strong focus on fintech expertise. Expect 3-5 interviews with senior professionals.
Fintech Technical Deep-Dive
The first interviews are heavily technical with a mandatory fintech overlay. Expect questions about fintech business models, sector-specific valuation metrics, and how to analyze companies across payments, lending, insurance tech, and financial infrastructure.
Market Knowledge and Deal Discussion
At least one round tests your knowledge of the fintech landscape: recent transactions FT Partners has advised on, emerging trends in financial technology, and your own views on where the industry is heading. Demonstrating that you actively follow the fintech space is critical.
Founder or Partner Conversation
Senior partners, potentially including founder Steve McLaughlin, hold a conversational interview assessing your passion for fintech, intellectual depth, and cultural fit. These conversations are rigorous and test whether you are genuinely committed to the fintech niche.
Conclusion
Given FT Partners' small size, decisions are made quickly and with significant partner input. Candidates typically hear back within a few days. Every hire is a meaningful addition to the team, and the bar for both technical ability and cultural fit is very high.
What to Do
- Demonstrate genuine passion for financial technology by discussing specific companies, trends, and transactions you follow. FT Partners wants fintech enthusiasts, not generalist bankers looking for a niche.
- Study FT Partners' published research reports and reference specific findings or data points. The firm's research is a key differentiator and shows you engage with their work product.
- Prepare fintech-specific valuation metrics cold: gross payment volume, take rate, net revenue retention, CAC/LTV ratios, and loan portfolio quality metrics.
- Show that you understand why a dedicated fintech advisory firm creates better outcomes for clients than a generalist bank's technology group.
- Ask informed questions about how FT Partners sources deals, differentiates from competition, and maintains its market leadership in fintech advisory.
- Be prepared to discuss your own fintech investment thesis or a fintech company you find compelling.
What to Avoid
- Do not interview without deep knowledge of the fintech industry. FT Partners will immediately identify candidates who are not genuinely interested in financial technology.
- Avoid generic banking preparation. Every question will have a fintech angle, and textbook answers without sector context will not suffice.
- Do not treat FT Partners as a stepping stone to a larger bank. The firm wants candidates committed to building careers in fintech advisory.
- Avoid being unfamiliar with FT Partners' recent deals. The firm publishes deal announcements and is featured frequently in fintech media.
- Do not underestimate the intellectual bar. FT Partners was founded by a former Goldman Sachs partner, and the rigor of the interview process reflects this pedigree.
- Avoid displaying discomfort with the firm's small size. FT Partners' boutique model is a deliberate strategic choice that enables their niche dominance.
What to Bring
Multiple resume copies
5-6 clean copies
Notepad and pen
For notes and questions
Breath mints
After lunch refresher
Portfolio/padfolio
Looks professional
Business cards
If you have them
Phone charger
For emergencies only