Wall Street Bankers Poised for Up to 35% Bonus Hike
Wall Street bonuses are expected to rise by up to 35% in 2024, driven by a recovery in corporate deals and particularly strong performance in debt underwriting. The surge is also supported by rising fee revenues and a favorable regulatory outlook.
Published on April 15, 2025
Wall Street is set for a substantial rebound in 2024, with bonuses projected to climb as much as 35%. The boost comes as corporate deals, stock sales, and debt transactions recover following two challenging years of high interest rates. In particular, investment bankers involved in debt underwriting stand to gain the most, helped by a near 40% rise in global debt capital market fees and a 20% increase in overall investment banking fees, which total almost $40 billion in the first ten months of the year.
Additional reports, such as one published by the Financial Times on November 12, 2024, and insights from sources like Axios and The Guardian, underscore a broader optimism fueled by expectations of a pro-deregulation agenda under a potential second Trump presidency. These market dynamics are also prompting banks to adopt competitive talent retention strategies, including significant salary offers and stock awards, as seen in recent moves by major institutions like Bank of America in early 2025.