Core Insights - Li Auto's founder and CEO Li Xiang topped Hong Kong's paid director ranking for 2024 with a total remuneration package of approximately HK$680 million (US$87.4 million) [1] - The ranking analyzed remuneration data for 1,000 directors across nearly all listed companies in Hong Kong [2] - 31 directors received annual compensation packages exceeding HK$100 million, with JS Global Lifestyle's chairman and CEO Wang Xuning ranking second at HK$520.51 million [3] Company Performance - Li Auto's stock performance declined by 35.7% last year, despite reporting a return on equity of 11.9% [4] - JS Global Lifestyle's stock price increased by 7.5% last year, but it reported a negative return on equity of 14.5% [4] - Liu Qiangdong, founder of JD.com, ranked fourth with total remuneration of HK$448.8 million [5] Remuneration Analysis - JS Global Lifestyle was the most generous company in terms of total compensation, paying HK$783.43 million to its directors [6] - New World Development was the top payer in cash payments, with HK$187.6 million in salaries and benefits [7] - Prada paid the most in fees, totaling HK$376.9 million to its directors [7]

Core Insights - India's top companies have significantly increased fees for independent directors, more than doubling over the past five years to enhance governance and attract global talent [1][2]. Compensation Trends - The average compensation for independent directors at Nifty 50 companies rose from ₹52 lakh in FY20 to ₹1 crore in FY25, nearly doubling [2]. - CEO pay in the same companies increased by approximately 50% during the same period, although the comparison is not strictly like-for-like due to different remuneration structures [7]. Governance and Representation - Independent directors now constitute a significant portion of boards, with representation ranging from nearly 40% to over 50% in the last fiscal year [4]. - Regulations require all listed companies to have at least a third of their board members as independent directors, driving demand for qualified individuals [10]. Market Dynamics - Demand for independent directors has doubled in the last two to three years, driven by the need to address governance issues and the expansion of family businesses [10][11]. - Companies are increasingly willing to offer competitive remuneration to attract directors with global experience, often aligning closer to US standards [12]. Gender Pay Gap - Female independent directors have experienced a faster rise in pay, with compensation in FY25 approximately 2.1 times their FY20 levels, compared to a 1.9 times increase for male counterparts [13].