ME SWF Comp at Senior levels?

Can anyone comment on comp at the senior levels at the large Middle East SWF (for public equities)?

Let’s say you have 7-10+ years of L/S equity experience in US/EU HFs…what are comp expectations at SWFs at that stage + how does that change 5+ years in? 7 figures floor (and no taxes)?

Would appreciate any #s / data points, thanks.

12 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, compensation at senior levels in large Middle East Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) can be quite competitive, especially considering the tax benefits. However, the context provided doesn't offer specific numbers for compensation at these levels. It does mention that the experience gained at SWFs might be discounted when moving back to roles in the US or Europe, indicating that while the compensation might be high, the trade-off could be the perceived value of the experience.

For someone with 7-10+ years of L/S equity experience in US/EU hedge funds, one could expect a high level of compensation at a Middle East SWF, potentially in the seven figures. The lack of taxes in many Middle Eastern countries could significantly increase the take-home pay relative to similar gross salaries in the US or EU, where taxes can be substantial.

However, it's important to note that while the compensation might be high, the context also suggests that there are challenges associated with working at these funds, such as red tape and internal processes that might differ from corporate private equity experiences.

For more detailed numbers or data points, it would be beneficial to look at specific reports or surveys that focus on SWF compensation, as these can vary widely depending on the fund, the role, and the individual's negotiation skills.

Sources: L/S HF new hire compensation, Non US/Europe IB/PE Overview, Top L/S in London and Hong Kong (e.g., Lone Pine, Viking, Coatue, Maverick, Darsana, etc.), Large hedge fund analyst compensation, Expected carry compensation at senior associate/VP level?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Do you have any numbers? Why is that

Generally guess because you are working for government entities.  Would be surprised if they had a % cut like HFs.  I haven’t come across top tier guys joining pension funds yet,  must be comp driven.

 

I disagree. I’ve heard of some pretty amazing packages for PM/Group-Head level roles at some of the funds mentioned. They’re not common obviously.

I’d compare the good big ones in the Middle East to the top US LOs (Capital, Wellington etc). Senior comp can be pretty high (and tax advantageous). My understanding is at the senior level it’s almost entirely discretionary, but I promise you, the senior people (in equities, PE, etc) at these firms are very well paid. I have zero insight into analyst pay, it’s definitely worse than US/EU HF and LO pay. At the senior level, that probably changes.

Downside is moving across the world, these seats aren’t that easy to come by

 

I disagree. I’ve heard of some pretty amazing packages for PM/Group-Head level roles at some of the funds mentioned. They’re not common obviously.

I’d compare the good big ones in the Middle East to the top US LOs (Capital, Wellington etc). Senior comp can be pretty high (and tax advantageous). My understanding is at the senior level it’s almost entirely discretionary, but I promise you, the senior people (in equities, PE, etc) at these firms are very well paid. I have zero insight into analyst pay, it’s definitely worse than US/EU HF and LO pay. At the senior level, that probably changes.

Downside is moving across the world, these seats aren’t that easy to come by

Absolutely not. I know 2 heads at SWFs personally; neither even remotely close to comp of even a Senior PM (don’t even start with a Partner) at a Wellington or similar. I have been approached as well and comp is so far off any sort of HF comp.

 

I disagree. I’ve heard of some pretty amazing packages for PM/Group-Head level roles at some of the funds mentioned. They’re not common obviously.

I’d compare the good big ones in the Middle East to the top US LOs (Capital, Wellington etc). Senior comp can be pretty high (and tax advantageous). My understanding is at the senior level it’s almost entirely discretionary, but I promise you, the senior people (in equities, PE, etc) at these firms are very well paid. I have zero insight into analyst pay, it’s definitely worse than US/EU HF and LO pay. At the senior level, that probably changes.

Downside is moving across the world, these seats aren’t that easy to come by

SWFs pay in line with Cap Group?  I take the under.

 
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