The European Banking Authority’s 2024 Dashboard shows a rise in individuals earning over EUR 1 million in EU banks, with gender imbalance persisting among high-paid roles.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published its 2024 Dashboard on high earners. The data indicates an increase in the number of individuals earning more than EUR 1 million in EU banks.
In 2024, the total number of high earners increased to 2,554 from 2,343 in 2023. In credit institutions, the number grew by 7% from 2,122 to 2,266. In investment firms, it rose by 30% from 221 to 288.
This development is mainly linked to strong profitability supported by higher interest income and active trading, a rebound in advisory and capital markets, favorable economic conditions including elevated interest rates and renewed M&A activity, and competitive pay adjustments to attract and retain talent.
The weighted average ratio of variable to fixed remuneration for high earners in credit institutions increased to 98%. For investment firms, the ratio decreased to 359%. The cap on variable-to-fixed remuneration in investment firms has not applied since 2021.
The report was developed under the authority of Directive 2013/36/EU and Directive (EU) 2019/2034, which require the EBA to collect data on high earners, including remuneration components and business areas involved.
The EBA will continue monitoring remuneration practices and plans to review data collection and publication processes to improve data quality and reporting timelines.
