

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is experiencing a significant salary reduction trend, particularly affecting high-level executives, with a notable increase in the number of banks reporting salary cuts and the extent of these reductions [2][3][5]. Group 1: Salary Reduction Trends - In 2023, 14 out of 42 listed banks in A-shares reported a decline in average salary, with the maximum drop reaching 13.59%. This number increased to 18 banks in 2024, with the maximum decline expanding to 15% [2]. - The total compensation for bank management decreased from 870 million yuan in 2023 to 700 million yuan in 2024, a drop of 19.5%. Meanwhile, the average salary for bank employees fell from 462,300 yuan to 444,900 yuan, a decrease of 2.68% [6][7]. Group 2: Executive Salary Cuts - A significant 78.5% of the management teams in listed banks saw their salaries decrease year-on-year in 2024. The average salary for executives in various banks has been notably impacted, with some banks experiencing drastic reductions [5][10]. - Specific banks like Everbright Bank and Zhejiang Commercial Bank saw executive salary reductions of 57.9% and 39.72%, respectively, indicating a trend where executive pay is being cut more severely than that of general employees [10]. Group 3: Factors Influencing Salary Changes - The primary driver of salary fluctuations in banks is the variable component of compensation, which is heavily influenced by the banks' revenue and profit conditions. The floating salary constitutes 65% of the total compensation, making it a critical factor [12][13]. - The banking sector is facing significant revenue pressures, with the average net interest margin dropping to 1.52% in 2024, a decline of 17 basis points from 2023. This has led to a 2.20% decrease in net interest income, marking two consecutive years of negative growth [14][15]. Group 4: Structural Adjustments and Policy Impacts - The banking industry is undergoing structural adjustments, with a focus on risk management and governance. Policies such as the "salary limit order" have imposed constraints on executive compensation, leading to a shift in how salaries are structured [16][17]. - The emphasis on "cost reduction and efficiency enhancement" has resulted in banks prioritizing compensation for frontline and value-creating positions, further contributing to the decline in executive salaries [18][17]. Group 5: Performance-Based Salary Recovery - The trend of "reverse salary recovery" has emerged, where banks reclaim performance bonuses from executives based on risk management failures. This practice aims to align compensation with long-term risk management rather than short-term performance [20][21]. - The total amount reclaimed through reverse salary recovery has approached 99 million yuan, indicating a significant shift in the banking industry's approach to executive compensation and risk management [20].