Key Facts
- ✓ Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon received a $47 million compensation package for 2025, representing a 21% increase from his $39 million pay in 2024.
- ✓ The bank's total shareholder return reached 57% under Solomon's leadership, contributing significantly to the compensation decision.
- ✓ Goldman Sachs reported net revenues exceeding $58 billion, marking its second-best year on record for overall financial performance.
- ✓ The investment banking division achieved its best year ever by revenue, highlighting strong performance across key business lines.
- ✓ JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon received $43 million for 2025, placing Solomon's compensation ahead of his primary competitor.
- ✓ Approximately one year ago, both Solomon and President John Waldron received $80 million each in restricted stock units with five-year vesting periods.
Executive Compensation Spotlight
Wall Street's top executives are seeing significant compensation adjustments as banks report strong financial performance. Goldman Sachs has officially disclosed its 2025 compensation package for David Solomon, the firm's Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement comes during a period of robust financial results for the investment banking giant. Solomon's new pay package reflects the bank's strong performance and positions him at the top of the compensation leaderboard among major financial institutions.
The Compensation Package
Goldman Sachs announced in a regulatory filing that David Solomon will receive $47 million for his work during the 2025 fiscal year. This represents a substantial increase from his previous compensation, which stood at $39 million for 2024.
The 21% pay raise comes as the bank celebrates exceptional financial results. Goldman Sachs just completed its second-best year on record, reporting net revenues that surpassed $58 billion. The firm's investment banking division also achieved its best year ever by revenue.
Goldman Sachs specifically cited "continued and significant shareholder value creation during 2025" as the justification for the increased compensation. The bank highlighted a total shareholder return of 57% under Solomon's leadership as a key metric in their decision.
"continued and significant shareholder value creation during 2025"
— Goldman Sachs Regulatory Filing
Wall Street Leadership
Solomon's new compensation package places him ahead of his primary competitor in the industry. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon received $43 million for his performance in 2025, as announced by his firm earlier this week.
This marks a notable shift in executive compensation rankings among the nation's largest financial institutions. The comparison highlights the competitive nature of Wall Street leadership and the direct correlation between bank performance and executive pay.
The compensation structure for Solomon includes both immediate cash and long-term incentives. Approximately one year ago, Goldman Sachs awarded Solomon and his deputy, President and COO John Waldron, restricted stock units valued at $80 million each, set to vest over a five-year period.
Financial Performance
Goldman Sachs' financial metrics provide context for the generous compensation package. The bank's 57% total shareholder return demonstrates significant value creation for investors during 2025.
The firm's investment banking division achieved record-breaking revenue performance, contributing to the overall strong financial results. This success comes despite challenging market conditions that have affected other financial institutions.
The stock's performance has been notably strong under Solomon's leadership, with significant gains recorded throughout the year. These gains, combined with the revenue achievements, formed the basis for the compensation committee's decision.
Regulatory Disclosure
The compensation details were made public through a regulatory filing submitted on Friday. Public companies are required to disclose executive compensation through these filings, providing transparency to shareholders and the public.
The filing specifically highlighted the metrics used to determine Solomon's compensation package. Key factors included the bank's revenue performance, shareholder returns, and overall financial health during the 2025 fiscal year.
This level of transparency allows investors to understand the relationship between company performance and executive compensation. It also provides insight into how the board of directors evaluates leadership success.
Market Implications
Solomon's compensation package signals strong confidence in Goldman Sachs' current trajectory and leadership. The 21% increase demonstrates the board's satisfaction with the strategic direction and financial results achieved under his tenure.
The comparison with JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon highlights the competitive landscape of Wall Street executive compensation. As banks continue to report strong financial results, compensation packages for top executives are likely to remain in the spotlight.
Looking forward, the compensation structure with its five-year vesting period for restricted stock units suggests a long-term commitment to Solomon's leadership. This aligns executive incentives with sustained shareholder value creation over multiple years.
