Will Big Bonuses Make a Comeback?

Some time ago, the London office of eFinancialCareers News pointed out big bonuses will probably make a comeback in 2009. Now Breaking Views offers another perspective on why we're about to see the return of the eight figure payout.

The article is for subscribers only, so a heavily summarized version follows in bullet points below.

The third point is the most interesting - the populace may well cry foul at the resurgence of the mega-bonus, but new pay structures should appease their indignation. The trick this year will therefore be to devise a pay structure which appears outwardly punitive, but in reality isn't at all (Credit Suisse's toxic asset scheme?).

· Banks earned huge amounts trading debt in the first quarter. This looks set to continue. Goldman Sachs is on track to match the revenues it made in 2006.

· Banks are paying back TARP and escaping related pay shackles.

· By pointing out they're spreading payments over several years and adding clawback clauses, organizations will be able to make $10 million payouts seem more acceptable.