Canadian Banks Bonus Payouts for 2025
As we eagerly await the commencement of the 2025 bonus season for banks across the globe, some early indications have already surfaced, giving us a glimpse into what to expect. Canadian banks, specifically the big five – RBC, BMO, TD, CIBC, and Scotiabank, recently unveiled their financial results for the final quarter of 2025, shedding light on their bonus pools for the year.
RBC Leads the Pack
Among the Canadian banks, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) stood out with the highest average bonuses and compensation packages for 2025. RBC reported an average bonus per person of $75k and average compensation of $147k, representing an increase from $68k and $136k in 2024, respectively. The bank’s bonus pool saw a significant uptick of around $800m, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
While RBC’s bonus figures were impressive, there were murmurs of discontent among some senior bankers who felt that European counterparts were being overlooked in comparison to North American peers.
Scotiabank’s Progress
On the other end of the spectrum, Scotiabank recorded the lowest average bonuses and compensation packages for 2025, with figures standing at $22k and $73k, respectively. However, Scotiabank witnessed the largest bonus increase (as a percentage) among the big five Canadian banks, with the average bonus rising by more than 22% from $18k in 2024 to $22k in 2025.
Scotiabank’s relatively smaller investment banking presence compared to its peers could explain the variance in bonus payouts. The bank’s investment banking revenue was notably lower than that of RBC, highlighting the different business strategies at play.
Consistency Across Canadian Banks
Aside from Scotiabank, the other Canadian banks maintained a relatively consistent approach to bonus payouts, with average compensation ranging between $110k and $150k for both 2024 and 2025. These figures align closely with those of other North American banks, such as JPMorgan Chase, which paid an average of $162k in 2024.
Overall, the bonus payouts at Canadian banks reflect a mix of performance, market dynamics, and individual bank strategies, shaping the compensation landscape for banking professionals in the region.
Conclusion
As we anticipate the full disclosure of bonus figures from American, European, and Japanese banks in the coming weeks, the early insights from Canadian banks provide a glimpse into the trends shaping the industry. With varying bonus payouts and compensation packages, the 2025 bonus season is poised to be an interesting one for banking professionals worldwide.
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