Big-Bank CEO Salaries Soar to $40 Million Club
The pay packages for chief executive officers at major U.S. banks have risen significantly, reaching the $40 million mark or higher in 2025. This trend reflects not only strong financial performance but also competitive pressures within the financial industry.
Big-Bank CEO Salaries Surpass $40 Million
Four prominent banks—JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Capital One—reported that their CEOs earned at least $40 million in total compensation for 2025. This increase marks a considerable rise from the previous year, when their compensation ranged from $31 million to $39 million.
Key CEO Compensation Details
- Charlie Scharf, Wells Fargo
- 2024 Total Compensation: $31.2 million
- 2025 Total Compensation: $40 million
- Year-over-Year Change: +28.2%
Scharf’s leadership led to a notable increase in revenue and a reduction in regulatory challenges.
- David Solomon, Goldman Sachs
- 2024 Total Compensation: $39 million
- 2025 Total Compensation: $47 million
- Year-over-Year Change: +20.5%
Solomon’s compensation benefited from strong shareholder value creation and an increase in dividends.
- Richard Fairbank, Capital One
- 2024 Total Compensation: $33.5 million
- 2025 Total Compensation: $40 million
- Year-over-Year Change: +19.4%
Fairbank’s compensation was heavily influenced by the acquisition of Discover Financial Services.
- Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase
- 2024 Total Compensation: $39 million
- 2025 Total Compensation: $43 million
- Year-over-Year Change: +10.3%
Dimon’s pay increase reflects JPMorgan’s record revenue and robust financial health.
Factors Behind the Raises
Market dynamics played a significant role in these pay increases. As stock prices surged, banks aimed to offer competitive compensation packages to retain top talent. Shaun Bisman from Compensation Advisory Partners noted that $40 million has emerged as a new benchmark for big-bank CEOs.
The substantial compensation packages also serve as a strategy to align executive performance with shareholder interests, ensuring long-term success for these institutions.
Looking Ahead
Anticipation builds as other major banks, including Bank of America, Citi, and Morgan Stanley, are expected to disclose their CEO compensation details soon. With regional banks following suit, the financial industry remains under scrutiny regarding executive pay practices.
