The M&A cycle is roaring back — and Goldman says the dealmaker talent race remains 'intense'

Group 1 - The dealmaking market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a strong corporate merger backdrop, leading to higher pay packages on Wall Street [1][2] - Banks are competing for elite talent in anticipation of a busy 2026, with Goldman Sachs projecting the second biggest year in M&A history, having already advised on over a trillion dollars in activity this year [2][6] - Goldman Sachs CFO Denis Coleman emphasized the competitive compensation landscape for top performers, indicating a focus on pay-for-performance to retain talent [3][4] Group 2 - The formation of Goldman Sachs' Capital Solutions Group has facilitated more complex financings and opportunities for both institutional and wealth clients [4] - The recent earnings season has exceeded expectations, with Goldman’s advisory revenue increasing by 60% to $1.4 billion in Q3, while other major banks also reported double-digit gains in investment-banking fees [6][7] - There is a growing optimism among CEOs in the industry, with indications that a new "golden age" for corporate dealmaking may be emerging [8]