City officials are optimistic about a more rewarding bonus season this spring. New regulations are set to allow quicker access to funds for executives, increasing potential payouts.
The upcoming bonuses will be the first under the modified rules that shorten the deferral period for bank bonuses—changes that were put in place last October, easing some constraints established after the financial crisis.
This has sparked a sense of excitement among professionals in finance and related fields. However, it’s natural to wonder: how much will you actually take home?
For the fifth consecutive year, the Financial Times is conducting a confidential Bonus Survey, asking readers about their expectations and plans for the bonuses—whether they intend to invest, save, or spend the money they receive.
The anonymous survey takes under three minutes to complete and can be accessed through the provided link.
“In spite of ongoing uncertainties regarding tariffs, 2025 turned out to be a solid year for many markets, even if gains were mostly concentrated,” stated Jason Hollands, managing director at Evelyn Partners. He pointed out that the robust performance of major tech, banking, and commodity stocks points to worthwhile dividends in those sectors.
Meanwhile, UK tax experts and wealth managers are experiencing a surge in demand for financial planning, especially following two challenging budgets. However, fund managers are facing tougher times due to ongoing passive investments performing well. Hollands noted that for the investment banking community, lawyers, and consultants, the downturn in the UK IPO market presents challenges but also potential financial opportunities.
Bankers with deferred stock-based compensation are likely to have an especially advantageous situation now. “This year, a significant aspect is that much of the deferred equity is finally looking healthier as bank stock prices rise,” mentioned Adam Walkom, co-founder of Permanent Wealth Partners. Notably, shares in NatWest, Barclays, and HSBC have all increased by over 50% in the last year.
“Bonuses at senior levels usually involve substantial amounts of equity, suggesting potentially hefty profits, which is good news for local bars and pubs,” he added.
More readers may be looking to take advantage of salary sacrifice for pension contributions ahead of the limitations discussed in November’s Budget, along with the new restrictions on tax benefits for venture capital trusts (VCTs). Additionally, as income tax thresholds edge downward, there might be considerations among readers about relocating abroad for better salary prospects.
In a poll from last year, a majority of FT readers indicated they received equal or higher dividends compared to the previous year but felt they were working harder for those bonuses due to increased taxes and adjustments in performance metrics.
The results from this year’s anonymous survey are expected to be compiled and shared in the coming weeks. Responses are due by Sunday, February 8th. For any questions, please reach out to our usual email address.
