2025/2026 Global Financial Markets Overview & Compensation Report

The definitive pay and talent data report for C-Suite, HR leaders, and executive decision-makers, the 2025/2026 Options Group Global Financial Markets Overview & Compensation Report captures how firms are navigating this year’s theme of Regime Uncertainty, Policy Shocks, and Global Realignment, and what these forces mean for pay, hiring, and leadership strategy in the years ahead.

This year’s report provides a comprehensive view of where hiring demand is returning, which roles are commanding premium compensation, and how institutions are re-designing teams for long-term resilience.

Drawing on exclusive Options Group research, proprietary survey data, and insights from our global offices, the report covers regional hiring and compensation trends around the world.

With the upcoming EU Pay Transparency Directive reshaping compensation frameworks worldwide, this report offers critical intelligence needed to prepare for 2026 and beyond.

The 2025/2026 Global Overview & Compensation Report covers every aspect of the hiring equation, including:

• Top-level salary ranges paid out to Managing Directors, Directors, Vice Presidents, and Associates across the world in FICC, Equities, Investment Banking, Electronic Markets, Quantitative Strategy, Risk, Compliance, IT, and Private Wealth Management
• Year-over-year compensation comparison data for finance executives in the U.S., EMEA, Asia Pacific including Japan and Thailand, Latin America, India, and Australia
• Top global firms’ revenue data comparing Q1-Q3 2025 vs. FY 2024 in FICC, Equities, and Investment Banking
• New for 2025/2026: Middle Market Advisory Investment Banking insights and compensation tables
• High-profile executive moves complete with names, titles, and current and previous firms
• Detailed offer examples including candidate motives behind accepted, rejected, and countered offers
• Global hiring heat map of forecasted activity, including which regions and product areas will see high activity, headcount reductions, replacement hires, or no activity
• Exclusive insights for 2026 global hiring and compensation trends according to key Options Group personnel and internal survey data from 150 global consultants around the world

Inquire below to receive a free preview of the report and to purchase your essential guidance for hiring and compensation decisions for 2025.