Which banking roles in Hong Kong earn the highest annually?

Managing directors in IPO and M&A roles get the highest annual salary.

Managing directors (MDs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) remained amongst the highest paid bankers in Hong Kong, according to Ambition's Market Insights 2026 report on banking and financial services.

Managing directors across different teams got an annual salary range of between HK$1.8m to HK$3m, it said. The figures include all other benefits and bonuses, Ambition said.

Front office managing directors in IBD/ Securities - Trading/ Institutional Sales/ GCM role, or in an IPO and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) role, have the highest annual salary range, at HK$6m.

Chief investment officers (CIO) of asset management firms, including private equity firms and family offices, have average salaries of HK$4m on average.

Regional CFOs get HK$3m on average, whilst country CFOs receive HK$2.5m on average, the study showed.

For 2026, hiring across the banking and financial services sector is expected to remain steady although selective, Ambition said.

"Whilst opportunities will persist, entry thresholds are set to remain high. Jobseekers will need to demonstrate strong domain expertise, adaptability, and confidence working with technology-enabled processes to stay competitive," it said.