Market
Banks Lead a Bonus Boom
ZivFin Analysis2026.08.07
Compensation consultant Johnson Associates dubs it “The Year of the Bank” in a recent report, with year-end incentive pools 5% to 20% higher than 2025 at major investment and commercial banks. “Everything is shaping up to be a fantastic year for the banks,” says the firm’s managing director Chris Connors. Record earnings driven by equity trading, underwriting, and advisory are fueling the bountiful year-over-year increases in bank bonuses.