BNP Paribas Raises Top Bankers’ Bonus Pool 11% Amid Talent War

BNP Paribas SA’s bonus pool for its top bankers rose 11% for 2021, as the lender joins peers in raising compensation to retain talent.

The bank awarded 550 million euros ($607 million) in variable pay to employees identified as material risk takers by European regulations, according to BNP’s yearly compensation report released Friday. After a change in those rules, the number of such bankers shrank 16% to 1,214 in 2021, indicating that the jump in variable pay for top earners may be higher.

Competition for talent has been increasing across the industry, forcing lenders to pay up. Deutsche Bank ...