We are often asked whether Fram produces a financial services salary survey. It is an entirely understandable question. Pay transparency has become a major theme for both employees and employers. Firms want to know they are paying market rate, and individuals want to know whether they are being treated fairly. But here is the truth. The best salary benchmarking in financial services comes not from generic surveys or mass-market reports. It comes from conversations with experienced recruitment professionals who work in the sector every day.

At Fram Search, we speak to clients and candidates across the UK financial services industry on a daily basis. From banks and asset managers to wealth firms and fintechs, we are constantly updating our understanding of what different roles are paying and what candidates are expecting. This includes base salary, of course, but also bonuses, benefits, and long-term incentives. We track market sentiment and we understand where the pressures are. In our view, that kind of real-world intelligence is far more valuable than anything you can download online.

Generic salary surveys can be a useful guide, but they rarely offer the detail needed for accurate decision-making. The difference between one title and another can be significant. The same role can vary in salary depending on location, company size, specialism, and how revenue is generated. For roles in finance, operations, and compliance—areas where we have deep experience—it is possible to provide good guidance. In front office roles, where bonuses and performance are more variable, context becomes even more important.

That is why we do not produce downloadable salary guides. Our business is built on discretion and confidentiality. We do not share sensitive data publicly, and we never will. Instead, we encourage clients to speak with us directly. That way we can understand the specifics of your firm, the structure of the role, and the market context. It also allows us to provide advice on wider topics like how to use benefits to retain staff, how to compete for talent when budgets are tight, or how to adjust a job specification to open up a wider candidate pool.

For existing clients, we are happy to offer this insight as part of our consultative process. For new firms, we are always happy to have an initial conversation. If we feel we can help, we will. Our advice is simple. Rather than spending time filling in online forms or relying on outdated data, book a short call with an experienced consultant. It will be far more productive, and it will give you the context needed to make confident hiring or salary decisions.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to financial services salary benchmarking. Every firm is different. Every hire is different. But what doesn’t change is the value of up-to-date, relevant, and accurate insight from someone who knows the market. That is what we provide at Fram.

If you would like to discuss benchmarking for a particular role or salary strategy more generally, we would be delighted to arrange a confidential conversation. Our aim is always to support clients in building strong, well-rewarded teams—and to help professionals feel confident they are being paid fairly for the value they bring.