Traders enjoyed big bonus increases after a strong 2025
While much attention has been given to the strong performance of investment banking teams across 2025, sales & trading teams have also had a strong year – according to market intelligence provider Tricumen, global equities revenue increased by 18%, and global fixed income, currencies, and commodities revenue increased by 12%.
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Data from our Compensation & Lifestyle Report 2026 suggests that salespeople and traders were well-rewarded for this. Theirs was the best paid banking function globally, and on average salaries and bonuses increased by 9% and 17%, respectively. Total compensation, therefore, was up by 13%.
The highest bonus increases were for mid-level professionals: associates and Vice Presidents (VPs). Average bonuses for these went up by 24% each, approximately, to $85k and $201k, respectively. Associate total compensation only increased modestly (5.4% up), however, on account of a 5.1% decline in salaries. VP salaries increased by 17%.
The lowest bonus increases, of just 8%, were for analysts in sales and trading. However, on this floor of the pyramid, bonuses make up a relatively small proportion of total compensation, and salaries – the more significant part – went up by 31%.
Managing Directors (MDs) bonuses were up significantly, by 19%. Matched with a more modest salary increase of 7.8%, total compensation for senior salespeople and traders reached $837k in 2025, an increase of 12.5% on their total compensation in 2024.
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