GlobalData announces top M&A financial and legal advisers in North America during Q1-Q3 2026
GlobalData ranked top M&A advisers in North America for Q1-Q3 2026. Goldman Sachs led by value ($510.5B), Houlihan Lokey by volume (161 deals). JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo followed. Kirkland & Ellis topped legal advisers by value and volume.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The rankings provide fresh insight into which banks and advisory firms are leading the market, potentially influencing investor sentiment toward those institutions.
Market read
The league‑table results are new data points that may slightly boost the market perception of the top‑ranked banks and law firms, but they do not constitute a material catalyst for price moves.
What to watch
The data excludes private‑equity and non‑US advisory activity, which could alter the competitive landscape.
Background
GlobalData released its Q1‑Q3 2026 league tables for M&A financial and legal advisers in North America, ranking firms by deal value and volume.
Ticker impact
Goldman Sachs led M&A advisory by value with $510.5 bn in deals during Q1‑Q3 2026.
likely modest upside as investors view the ranking as a strength signal
The league‑table result is new information but does not directly affect earnings; impact is limited to perception.
Houlihan Lokey was the top M&A financial adviser by deal volume with 161 transactions in Q1‑Q3 2026.
potential slight price lift as the firm is seen as a go‑to advisor
Ranking is a fresh data point; impact is perception‑driven rather than fundamental.
JPMorgan ranked second in M&A advisory value with $359 bn of deals in Q1‑Q3 2026.
minor upside potential from reinforced market confidence
Ranking is new but does not change fundamentals; effect is limited.
Morgan Stanley posted $351.9 bn in M&A advisory value, placing third in the league table.
possible modest gain as investors note strong performance
New ranking data, perception‑focused impact.
Bank of America recorded $217.6 bn in M&A advisory value, ranking fourth.
limited upside, mainly from perception of advisory strength
Ranking is new information but does not materially shift fundamentals.
Wells Fargo generated $215.7 bn in M&A advisory value, ranking fifth.
minor positive pressure as market notes advisory activity
New league‑table data; impact is limited to market perception.
Market effects
Highlights strength of the US investment‑banking sector and may lift sentiment for advisory‑focused banks.
US market focus; limited spillover to other regions.
Modest; reinforces perception of leading US banks in global M&A activity.
Counterpoint
Rankings are historical and may not translate into future deal flow; investors should not overprice based on a single quarter.
Key entities
- companyGoldman Sachs
Top M&A financial adviser by deal value.
- companyHoulihan Lokey
Top M&A financial adviser by deal volume.
- law_firmKirkland & Ellis
Top M&A legal adviser by value and volume.
