Bankers are still having a little difficulty adjusting to the new reality. Two stories today illustrate the point.
First, from the FT....
The US financial sector’s new political masters began exerting their influence on Tuesday as Citigroup was forced to scrap the purchase of a $50m executive jet that was seen as a misuse of money at a time when the bank is reliant on public support.
Only a day earlier, Citi had insisted it would complete the acquisition of the aircraft. But it backed down after officials acting for Tim Geithner, the new Treasury secretary, expressed strong opposition to the move.
But will Citi execs end up slumming it back in coach class. I think not.
Over here, Lloyds execs are looking for a pay rise...
Lloyds Banking Group has sounded out shareholders about a change in its executive remuneration plans that could generate pay rises for its directors despite being bailed out by the taxpayer.
The bank, in which the government holds a 44% stake, is understood to have approached big City investors between a month and six weeks ago with outline proposals for a modified pay package for the executive team of the bank.
I have been trying to think of the pitch that the Lloyds management would put together to justify their pay increase. Adding shareholder value would not be a very convincing argument.
5 comments:
Taking a hit for the government by merging with HBOS?
http://www.ifs.org.uk/budgets/gb2009/2gb09_crunch.pdf
Seriously they need shooting.
The pitch I'd use as a Lloyds director would be this:
"Pay me what I ask or I'll see this company declared bankrupt and nationalised before teatime."
That should do it.
"Pay me what I ask or I'll see this company declared bankrupt and nationalised before teatime."
... my response would be:
"Could you hold on about 10 minutes while I juust phone my stock broker?"
Then, after having loaded up on thousands of PUT options via my account in Malta,
"screw you!"
To secretary: "get security in here some garbage wants taking out"
;-)
Post a Comment