In 2025, six executives from leading American banks received record bonuses exceeding $250 million, with significant pay increases reported across the board.
In a striking development, bonuses for top bankers on Wall Street skyrocketed in 2025, with six chief executives from the largest American banks collectively receiving over $250 million. This figure represents a substantial rise in compensation, revealing a trend towards even higher earnings in the financial sector. According to recent disclosures cited by the Financial Times, CEOs from Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase each earned at least $40 million over the past year, signifying that the trend of extravagant compensation packages is continuing unabated.
The Financial Times report highlights that the average increase in pay for these bankers reached 22% compared to the previous year, showcasing the lucrative nature of executive roles in the banking industry. Notably, Bank of America's CEO, Brian Moynihan, earned $41 million in 2025, which marks a 17% increase year-over-year. Meanwhile, Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, earned $42 million, including a retention bonus of $25 million awarded in October 2025, reflecting the competitive atmosphere for retaining top talent in major financial institutions.
Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, received $43 million, demonstrating a pattern where the heads of these institutions are rewarded with staggering financial incentives irrespective of broader economic conditions or public sentiment regarding inequality. As public scrutiny on executive compensation persists, these figures may further fuel the debate about the appropriateness of such earnings, particularly in light of the economic challenges faced by many American citizens.
