Bankers’ Bonuses to Rise Most on Wall Street

Bank executives’ compensation will rise the most among all financial sectors on Wall Street, ​as record revenues on trading and deals boost bonuses, according to ​Johnson Associates, a financial compensation consultancy. 

In a report published on ⁠Wednesday, the consultancy projects bonuses for equity traders and equity capital ​markets bankers rise 20% to 30% this year. Investment bankers working on M&A ​transactions are expected to have bonuses 15% to 20% higher this year. 

“Most of the excitement is coming from the equity side, with stock markets at record highs and ​volatility increasing trading volume”, said Alan Johnson, the consultancy’s founder. 

Large private equity portfolios are expected to slightly raise bonuses, between 2.5% to 7.5% this year. Executives working at ⁠medium private ​equity portfolios or real estate will see ​flat incentives. 

“Private equity is treading water, trying to make profitable exits from companies that were ​acquired at high prices”, Johnson added. 

Reuters / August 5, 2026