Mervyn King: 'Small elite' must share rewards

clock

Bank of England governor Mervyn King last night backed calls for limits on boardroom pay, in a speech in which he also said the UK's economic recovery would be "arduous" and hinted at a further round of quantitative easing.

Speaking last night in Brighton, King echoed similar calls from the coalition government, particularly business secretary Vince Cable's recent proposals to crack down on boardroom pay. He said it was a "tragedy" that those who suffered most through the financial crisis had no part to play in it, while others had been excused as they were thought to be "too important to fail", a reference to the bailed-out banks. "The legitimacy of a market economy will inevitably be challenged if rewards go disproportionately to a small elite, especially one which benefited from the support of taxpaye...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Lowest level in two and a half years

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 August 2025 • 4 min read
Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

'So, Sir Keir, if you're reading, I do genuinely hope Rachel is doing okay. And my number's still the same. So, you know, call me'

Laith Khalaf
clock 25 July 2025 • 5 min read
UK capital markets need to close gap between 'perception and reality' - Poppy Gustafsson

UK capital markets need to close gap between 'perception and reality' - Poppy Gustafsson

Speaking at IA annual conference

Sorin Dojan
clock 26 June 2025 • 2 min read