Money Managers Face Reduced Margins in 2019

“For the last 20 years, it’s been a great business — probably too great,” said Alan Johnson, managing director, compensation consultant at Johnson Associates Inc., New York. “The shifts to lower fees mean asset managers have had to find other ways to maintain margin. … Earnings are likely to be down, with layoffs in the…

Money Managers See Higher Bonuses This Year but Are Bracing for Job Cuts in 2019

Compensation will be strongest at firms that have the scale to maintain strong profits or the technology platforms to keep costs low, including managers that focus on passive products and exchange-traded funds. Despite industry pressures, overall headcount increased in 2018 for both public and private managers, specifically in technology, product development and international markets. But…

Why Wall Street’s Fat Bonuses May Hit a Snag in 2019

“The major investment and commercial banking firms continued their strong performance, especially in equities trading and underwriting,” said Alan Johnson, managing director of Johnson Associates and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on Wall Street compensation. “Private-equity firms also turned in a second straight year of healthy financial results and strong fundraising.” Johnson said 2019…