Even still, equity derivatives traders may jump to the so-called buy side -- such as large fund managers -- where total compensation is more closely tied to performance. Geopolitical tensions and concerns that markets are nearing the end of a long bull run have been fueling swings, providing more opportunities for traders to profit. Technology companies, meanwhile, are looking to peel off people with quantitative skills.
“With all the new economy jobs like data science, machine learning, AI, crypto and large tech companies moving to the tri-state area, we expect this to be the hotbed of movement in 2019,” Karp said. “The banks have to pay superstars.”
Employees working across all types of equities businesses will probably get 3.2 percent raises on average, according to Options Group. But bond markets remained too subdued. Options Group estimates that fixed-income businesses will cut compensation 2.6 percent.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.