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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favorite stories in this weekly newspaper.

Bonus season promises even bigger fortunes for City workers this year after British and US banks scrapped EU-imposed bonus caps – but how will yours fare?

As M&A activity picks up, some UK bankers and lawyers are holding steady with their salaries and bonus prospects for this year and beyond. However, the increased fees may come at the cost of lower wages, focusing the wages in the hands of the top sellers.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Financial Times is privately asking readers to share their bonus expectations; how they perceive the variable reward policies and whether they are willing to invest, save or spend any money they are given.

FT 2025 bonus review

Our survey can be completed anonymously in less than five minutes to click here. Or visit FT.com/bonussurvey

This year’s results are expected to be the first year that the bonus cap changes will be fully reflected in the pay packages of top earners. Although the cap was lifted in 2023, banks based in Britain have taken time to review and implement their payment policies in full, presenting different scenarios.

While European banks in London still have to receive bonuses with double earnings, Barclays and JPMorgan have decided to give those who are said to be at risk of material things. up to 10 times their fixed salary, while Goldman Sachs chose to reduce the base salary, but increase the average bonus to 25 times.

The legal profession is expected to be another big winner this bonus season, as the arrival of major American law firms in the capital disrupts the market, generating momentum. pay battles for talent.

Readers will be able to tell us anonymously whether any changes will affect their salary prospects, as well as changing competitive conditions in the wider employment market.

The survey also gives readers the opportunity to say how the first Labor Budget affected their budget, from the budget. paying VAT on school fees in the proposed manner inheritance tax changes make the pension less attractive.

Last year The FT’s bonus research revealed that many well-paid professionals were squeezed by low pay and high profits.

Completed by nearly 3,000 FT readers, 58 percent said their bonus had fallen or decreased compared to last year, and there was a big jump (64 percent) in the number of people who when they said they were willing to use their bonus to reduce their mortgage. liabilities. However, half of the respondents still intended to invest the majority of any bonus payment properly.

Changes to the bank’s bonus cap were still in the works during last year’s election, but four out of five FT readers said they would choose security over glamour, favoring higher pay for workers and minimum bonus, as opposed to minimum wage and minimum wage. unlimited bonus.

The results of the anonymous polls will be compiled and published in the coming weeks. Please ensure your reply reaches us by the deadline of Monday 10th February, and direct inquiries to our usual email address, money@ft.com.