UBS Updates Office Requirements for United States Junior Bankers
UBS's mandatory return-to-office for junior bankers reflects a broader trend of major financial institutions restricting remote work for U.S.-based staff.
UBS Updates Office Requirements for United States Junior Bankers
UBS has tightened its grip on remote work flexibility for its junior investment banking cohort in the United States. Following a period of hybrid flexibility, the bank now requires junior staff within the Global Banking Americas division to be in the office five days a week.
This change marks a departure from the bank’s broader corporate policy, which generally asks employees to be on-site at least three days per week. While senior staff and other departments still enjoy some flexibility regarding Mondays and Fridays, the new mandate effectively ends work-from-home options for those at the start of their banking careers.
Who is affected
This policy specifically targets junior investment bankers employed by UBS in the United States. While the shift does not change federal immigration laws or visa categories, it significantly impacts the lifestyle of any expat or digital nomad currently working in these specific roles.
If you are a junior banker on a standard employment contract, you are now expected to be physically present at your assigned desk every weekday. This move aligns UBS more closely with other major financial institutions like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, all of which have reinstated full-time office requirements.
What to do
If you currently work for UBS in a junior capacity or are considering a move to their U.S. division, keep these points in mind:
- Review your contract: Ensure you understand your specific division’s requirements, as the five-day rule is currently department-specific rather than company-wide.
- Adjust your living situation: If you were relying on Friday flexibility to work from a different city or state, you will likely need to relocate closer to the office.
- Monitor industry trends: Financial hubs in the U.S. are increasingly moving away from remote-first models, which may influence your long-term nomad news strategy.
Read our full United States guide for the complete picture.