Non-Compete Clauses in Finance: Protecting Client Relationships

Finance firms (investment banking, private equity, wealth management, trading) use aggressive non-competes targeting client relationships and deal flow. Finance non-competes are typically 1-3 years, broad geographically, and often include non-solicitation clauses prohibiting contact with clients for 3+ years. Finance non-competes are generally enforceable because courts recognize: substantial client relationships, deal flow value, and proprietary investment strategies as legitimate protectable interests.