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The only possible exception, allowing bonuses of up to twice annual salary, would have to be authorised by holders of a half of a bank's shares. MEPs fought for a 1:1 ratio from the outset. "We have achieved the most comprehensive bank regulation package in the EU. Banks will be stabilised and more resistant to crises", said rapporteur Othmar Karas (EPP, AT) at his press conference today [see video below].
Bonus cap
To curb excessive risk-taking, the basic salary-to-bonus ratio will be 1:1 but could be raised to a maximum of 1:2 with the approval of shareholders. This higher ratio would require the votes of at least 65 per cent of shareholders owning half the shares represented, or of 75 per cent of votes if there is no quorum.
To encourage bankers to take a long-term view, if the bonus is increased above 1:1, then a quarter of the whole bonus would be deferred for at least five years.
Quality capital
The rules will raise minimum thresholds of high quality capital to be retained. Banks will be required to hold a minimum of 8 per cent good quality capital (mostly Tier 1, the lowest-risk form).
Transparency
The legislation would require banks to disclose profits made, taxes paid and subsidies received country by country, as well as turnover and number of employees. From 2014 these should be reported to the Commission and from 2015 made fully public.
Next Steps
The political agreement must be approved by Member States and the European Parliament plenary, in which a vote is expected at the 15-18 April session. Once approved, Member States would need to include the rules in their national laws by 1 January, 2014.