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Alternative Market Briefing

Happy bonus season to all

Thursday, January 22, 2026

By Opalesque Geneva:

The financial industry may see stronger incentive payments for 2025, but a former banker has strong reservations.

Strong revenue growth, improved business performance, and a third consecutive year of a rising stock market should lift total pay across almost all finance jobs for a second year in a row, according to projections published by compensation consulting firm Johnson Associates. Those working at stock trading desks may see their bonus jump by up to 25%. Those working in sales and trading groups specialising in fixed income and currency trades should also expect a surge. M&A bankers are set for a 12.5% increase, wealth managers should see a 9% rise, and private credit firms and hedge funds can expect to see average bonus increases of 6% and 8%, respectively. This is the biggest bonus bump since 2021.

EFinancial Careers conducted a survey after the Johnson Associates report came out and found that professionals within the industry seemed "to have much, much higher expectations," as most said their bonuses should go up by 50%.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the bonus payment deferral period for senior bankers was cut in October from eight to four years, as regulators ......................

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