Higher bonuses, fewer jobs: The new outlook for financial services

5 November 2025

2 minute read

If you think you might apply for a junior financial services job in 2030, you might currently be at school or applying to university. You have plenty of time to prepare, which is fortunate as you'll need it. Junior jobs are becoming fewer and fewer, while - for the moment at least - experienced incumbents are earning more and more.

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A new report from financial services pay consultancy Johnson Associates says bonuses across financial services will rise this year. But in the next five years, jobs will plummet.

Johnson Associates' latest bonus predictions are shown in the chart below. Bonuses in banking are expected to be up 8% across the board in 2025, to their highest levels since 2021.

Equities sales and trading bonuses are up most, increasing by 15-25% on last year. M&A advisory bonuses are expected to be up 10-15%.

Private equity bonuses are expected to be flat with the exception of the largest PE firms where bonuses increase 0-5%. Hedge funds bonuses are expected to be up 2.5%-10%.

While this is a bumper year for pay, though, Johnson is less bullish on long term headcount. Johnson predicts headcount across the industry will fall 10-20% in the next five years due to AI. It says this "largely impacts operational and entry-level roles." Good luck with your 2030 application.

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This may also be a last hurrah for pay. Johnson said asset management bonuses are still below its 2021 levels. This presumably reflects the boom in ETFs and passive investment. It's not inconceivable that automation in banking could have a similar effect.

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AUTHORAlex McMurray Reporter

DA
DA25
6 November 2025
Students, after secondary school must learn a certification(s) by themselves - Maturity starts from when you start to solve problems, schedule time for studies, and cutting off from the many friends you have. Allowing yourself to gather momentum before college and university must be first priority. Like a pastor, preaching to others while you are reaching into your mind with constructive skillset(s) that are connected with your dream is way more significant than coming out with a first class from an ivy league university. Your parents, teachers, and mentors can only do so much for you before they give in on your matter - you wont see it coming. The best education is the one you suffered to get during the process of studying, learning, and preparing for your certification without a single reminder from parents, teachers, lecturers, and mentors
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