Slower Market Conditions Hurt Pay Increase and Bonus

HONG KONG, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees can expect a lower salary increase (4.3%) and bonus payment equivalent to 5.5 months of salaries due to slower market conditions, according to independent management consulting firm, Pretium Partners Asia Limited ("Pretium").

Pretium Year-end Rewards and Human Resource Trends Survey - 2016 ("Survey") shows financial services industry is planning to increase pay by 4.3% in Hong Kong and 4.5% in Mainland China in 2017, comparing to 5% a year ago. Singapore is set to increase pay by 3.5% but its deflation will mean higher growth in real wage when compared to Hong Kong and Mainland China. A slower first half and a more uncertain second half of 2016 encourages conservatism in pay and bonus review. Annual bonus will be equivalent to 5.5 months of salary in Hong Kong, down from 7 months last year.

The Survey examined changes in business performance and human resources priorities, bonus payout ratios and levels, salary increase budget, headcount changes and staff mix ratios as well as Big Data implications for HR among financial institutions. It covers 76 international, regional and local investment banks, corporate banks, asset management and private equities firms and insurance companies with multiple offices in Asia.

About one-third of the surveyed firms indicate 2016 performance will be significantly worse than last year due to a sluggish stock market and low interest rates which in turn drive bonus down. Equities will see the biggest drop due to a high baseline last year and sharp decline in trading volume. "Chinese firms will fare better than international ones as they are still hiring rather than firing. However, the slowdown of the Chinese economy and the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and the US economy post-election will trend down both pay increase and bonus payment," said May Poon, Managing Partner at Pretium. "Insurance and wealth management firms can expect to get more bonuses due to surge in business from Mainland China but rising costs for talent and policy risks will affect momentum."

Half of the surveyed firms intend to expand headcount in 2017 mainly for Asset Management, Wealth Management and Compliance. Recruitment is primarily driven by Chinese firms, focusing at Analysts to Vice President levels. The median staff turnover rate in 2016 is 12% with higher turnover at the back office (15%). "Financial service industry is facing talent competition from both Chinese corporations and internet companies. The more innovative financial institutions are exploring new ways to recruit, engage and retain employees to cater to the needs and preference of a multi-generational workforce to fend off competition," Ms. Poon added.

About Pretium Year-end Rewards and Human Resource Trends Survey - 2016

The Pretium Year-end Rewards and Human Resource Trends Survey - 2016 examines performance, reward and human resources trends in Asia, including business performance and human resources priorities, bonus payout ratios and levels, salary increase budget, headcount changes and staff mix ratios as well as Big Data implications for HR among financial institutions. It covers 76 international, regional and local investment banks, asset management and private equities firms as well as insurance companies with multiple offices in Asia.

About Pretium Partners Asia Limited

Pretium Partners Asia Limited ("Pretium") is an independent management consulting firm that helps accelerate clients' growth and increase profitability through unique spectrum of solutions which include rewards, performance management, benchmarking, organization transformation and integration for mergers & acquisitions.

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