IG CEO’s $4.5M Payday Overshadowed by Plus500’s Lavish Executive Payouts

IG Group Holdings plc (LSE:IGG) has reported a strong financial performance for fiscal year 2025, with CEO Breon Corcoran earning a total compensation of £3.35 million ($4.46 million). Despite this, Corcoran still earns less than his counterparts at Plus500, where executive pay has sparked shareholder backlash for the second consecutive year 

IG Group delivered £1.08 billion ($1.39 billion) in total revenue for FY25, up 9% year-over-year. Net profit surged 24% to £380.4 million ($490.7 million), driven by strong trading volumes, the acquisition of Freetrade, and a growing customer base 

Key highlights from IG’s FY25:

• Adjusted profit before tax: £535.8 million, up 17%
• Active customers: 820,000 (up 137% YoY, including Freetrade users)
• EPS: 114.1p (up 26%)
• Capital returns: £397 million via dividends and buybacks 3

Corcoran’s compensation included:

• £896,000 ($1.19M) in base salary
• £2.45 million ($3.27M) in bonuses and incentives 1

Despite the impressive numbers, Corcoran’s pay package remains modest compared to peers in the online trading sector.

At Plus500 Ltd (LSE:PLUS), CEO David Zruia and CFO Elad Even-Chen each earned $4.97 million in FY24, with $1.09 million in fixed salary and the rest in performance-based bonuses 

This represents a 33% increase from the previous year.

Yet, Plus500’s FY24 revenue was $768.3 million, significantly lower than IG’s. Net profit stood at $273.1 million, also trailing IG’s bottom line 

The disparity in pay has not gone unnoticed. In May 2025, 51% of Plus500 shareholders voted against the company’s executive remuneration report—the second consecutive year of such opposition

Despite the criticism, Plus500 continues to expand aggressively:

• Entered the UAE and Japan markets
• Acquired Mehta Equities in India
• Became a clearing member of ICE Clear US
• Reported $415 million in H1 2025 revenue, up 4% YoY 

Executive Pay vs. Performance: A Growing Debate

The contrast between IG and Plus500 highlights a broader debate in fintech and trading circles: Should executive pay be more closely tied to shareholder returns and company performance?

While IG’s Corcoran is praised for strategic execution and disciplined cost control, Plus500’s leadership faces scrutiny for high compensation amid mixed user growth and declining engagement metrics

Still, both firms remain profitable and debt-free, with strong cash positions and global expansion plans.

IG Group plans to increase Corcoran’s base salary by 3% in FY26 to £824,000 ($1.1M), with a potential bonus of up to 200% of salary 

The company is also revamping its long-term incentive plan to better align with shareholder value creation.

Meanwhile, Plus500 has raised its FY25 guidance, citing strong Q1 results and a 106% increase in average customer deposits 

However, it remains to be seen whether the company can sustain growth while addressing governance concerns.

As fintech firms scale globally, executive compensation will remain a focal point for investors.

IG’s performance-driven pay model may offer a blueprint for balancing growth with governance, while Plus500’s high-reward structure continues to test shareholder patience.