Compensation Policy
Compensation Policy
Compensation Policy
Our Compensation Policy and Implementation Standards As we pursue our client-focused and capital-efficient business model, compensation is fundamental to our ability to attract, retain, reward and motivate the talented individuals needed for our long-term success. By the same token, there has been significant political and regulatory focus on compensation at financial institutions over the pa st few years, with detailed regulation and guidance issued in various jurisdictions. Credit Suisse strives to take a leadership position in the areas of compensation governance and the development of compensation structures and instruments. We have been actively engaged with many regulators, shareholder groups and other stakeholders. We want to ensure that our compensation practices are well understood, and consistent with emerging compensation regulations and guidelines. To this end, we developed this Compensation Policy together with implementation standards and rules. The Compensation Policy adheres to com pensation principles set out by FINMA and other regulators, and it applies to all compensation plans of the Group. Our pay-for-performance approach goes beyond pure financial performance to an increasing ex tent, compensation decisions have to take into account non-financial objectives and values reflected in our Code of Conduct. There is particular emphasis on ethics, risk, control and compliance as a basis for disciplined execution. In line with this, the Compensation Policy provides managers and employees a detailed description of our principles, structures and instruments, and the defined standards and processes relative to the development, implementation, management and governance of compensation. The Board of Directors issues this Compensation Policy and Implemen tation Standards and assumes responsibility for monitoring its implementation within the Group.
Board of Directors of Credit Suisse Group AG
Zurich, April 2013
Structure of Document For the purpose of this document, the terms Credit Suisse Group, Credit Suisse and the Group mean Credit Suisse Group AG and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the contex t indicates otherwise.
Disclaimer This is the 2013 version of the Compensation Policy and Implementation Standards as approved by the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse Group AG. The most recent version of the Compensation Policy is posted on the Groups internet site. If there is a discrepancy between this printed version and the electronic version, the electronic version will prevail.
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Table of Contents
Compensation Policy
Our Compensation Policy and Implementation Standards Structure of Document Compensation Policy The Groups Compensation Policy Framework 1 . 0 Compensation Governance 1 . 1 Recommendation, Review and Approval of Compensation Plans 1 . 2 Implementation of Compensation Policy 1 . 3 Involvement of Control Functions in the Compensation Process 1 . 4 Independence and Competency of Control Functions 1 . 5 Compensation Communications and Disclosures 2 . 0 Compensation Structure and Instruments 2 . 1 Compensation Structure 2 . 2 Deferred Compensation 2 . 3 Deferred Compensation Instruments 2 . 4 Specific Compensation Transactions 3 .0 Variable Compensation Pool 3 .1 Accrual of Variable Compensation 3 .2 Divisional Allocation 4 .0 Determination of Discretionary Variable Incentive Awards 4 .1 Performance 4 .2 Covered Employees 4 .3 Equal Compensation Opportunity 5 . 0 Board of Directors and Executive Board Compensation Structure 5 . 1 Board of Directors 5 . 2 Executive Board 3 4 7 10 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 20 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Compensation Policy
Compensation Policy
As a global financial institution, the Group is dependent on highly-skilled individuals who specialize in a broad range of disciplines. The Groups ability to implement a comprehensive human capital strategy to attract, retain, reward, and motivate such individuals is fundamental to the Groups long-term success. Compensation is a key component of the Groups human capital strategy, as the Group implements its client-focused integrated business model strategy and helps clients thrive. In support of this goal, and to align employee interests with shareholders, the Group takes a leadership position in Compensation Policy and Practice geared toward the objectives outlined below. Objectives The Groups objectives are to maintain a Compensation Policy that:
supports a performance culture that is ba sed on merit, and differentiates
and rewards excellent performance, both in the short and long term, and recognizes the Groups values; enables the Group to attract and retain employees, and motivate them to achieve results with integrity and fairness; balances the mix of Fixed Compensation and Variable Compensation to appropriately reflect the value and responsibility of the role performed day to day, and to influence appropriate behaviors and actions; is consistent with, and promotes, effective risk management practices and the Groups compliance and control culture; fosters teamwork and collaboration across the Group; takes into account the long-term performance of the Group, in order to create sustainable value for the Groups shareholders; and is approved by the Board of Directors ( BoD) and regularly monitored in terms of implementation by the independent Compensation Committee ( CC) of the BoD.
Our Goal:
Strike the right balance between meeting shareholders expectations, paying our employees competitively, and responding appropriately to the regulatory environment.
Our Approach:
Governance
Principles: Clearly defined and
Performance Alignment
Principles: Reward Group annual performance measured relative to:
based approach.
Facilitate competiti ve ness
1. its planned key performance indicators. 2. prior year performance. 3. the performance of competitors.
Business performance aligned: Strong correlation with the annual performance of a business, including risk-related metrics and the amount of compensation awarded to emp loyees. Recognize and reward cross-divisional collaboration. Award and differentiate compensation based on individual performance and contributions.
by paying market- informed, competitive compensation levels for comparable roles and experience, subject to performance.
Promote meritocracy
balance of Fixed Compensation and Variable Compensation consistent with risk alignment and position, and role in the Group.
Significant portion of ariable Compensation V deferred and aligned with the long-term performance of the Group and its Divisions. Promote sound risk anagement practices, and m in particular, do not create incentives to expose the Group to inappropriate material risk.
by recognizing individual performance, with a particular emphasis on contribution, risk manage ment, ethics and control.
Equal compensation
opportunity.
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Compensation Policy
The Group is committed to responsible compensation practices. The need to reward the Groups employees fairly and competitively based on performance is balanced with the requirement to do so within the contex t of principled behavior and actions, particularly in the areas of risk, compliance, and control. Compensation contributes to the achievement of the Groups objectives in a way that does not encourage excessive risk-taking or the violation of applicable laws, guidelines, and regulations, taking into account the capital position and economic performance of the Group over the long term. Compensation Policy Framework The Compensation Policy Framework summarizes the key features of the Groups compensation approach, and sets forth some fundamental principles to guide the management of the Groups policies, practices, and plans.
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The Group encourages collaboration between Divisions. They are supported by the global Shared Services ( ShS) function, which ensures e ffective business support, control, and supervision of business activities. Included in the independent ShS functions are Financial Control; Risk Management; Legal and Compliance; and Talent, Branding and Communi cations ( T B&C ). These functions, together with Internal Audit, which reports directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, are collectively referred to as the Control Functions for the purpose of the Compensation Policy. The Compensation Policy set out in this document applies to all employees of the Group, and to all compensation plans of the Group. Any and all variations from the Groups standard approach to compensation, including such plans as the Global Arbitrage Trading Compensation Plan, the PB USA Wealth Management Relationship Manager Compensation Guide are covered by the Compensation Policy and must be approved by the CC. However, the application of the Policy varies for different categories of staff, particularly for members of the Executive Board ( E xB) and other defined senior managers whose professional activities, collectively or individually, may have a material impact on the risk profile of the Group. All plans implemented under the Compensation Policy are subject to modification or termination at the Groups discretion at any time.
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Compensation Principles
1.0
Compensation Governance
The Groups compensation governance practices, which are set out in this Policy, are part of the Groups overall corporate governance structure. They should be read in conjunction with the Groups other policies and guidelines that deal with the governance of the Group. The Compensation Policy fully adheres to the compensation principles set out by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA ), and similar guidelines adopted by other regulators in locations where the Group has operations.
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Compensation Governance
1.1
1.2
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1.3
1.4
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, the Variable Compensation pool for the Control Functions is only dependent on the Groups overall performance a s well a s on function-specific quantitative and qualitative criteria. In addition, each Control Function reports to a global head for the function in question rather than to the business it controls. The compensation of Control Functions is set at sufficient levels to ensure that competent and experienced professionals can be attracted and retained across business cycles.
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Compensation Governance
1.5
An important objective of the Compensation Policy is to provide all relevant internal and ex ternal parties with appropriate information and transparency, thereby promoting a thorough understanding of the Groups compensation practices. Details of compensation programs and plan awards are communicated to employees throughout the year. The Group maintains an intranet site that sets out details of plan awards, including vesting schedules and current values. The Group provides ex tensive disclosure about compensation as part of the Annual Report. In addition, the Group actively communicates on the subject throughout the year by means of press releases, quarterly reports, or information on the Groups website. The BoD submits the annual Compensation Report to shareholders for a consultative ballot at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
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Compensation Principles
2 .0
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2.1 Compensation
Structure
The mix of Fixed and Variable Compensation is designed to ensure adequate consideration of risk in compensation decisions. It varies from employee to employee depending on their position and role within the Group. Fixed Compensation Fixed Compensation, which is most commonly paid in the form of base salary, is based on the role and experience of the individual, his or her individual sustained long-term performance, and market positioning. Ba se salary is set at levels designed to retain employees throughout business cycles. Variable Compensation
The level of Variable Compensation granted, referred to as a discretionary variable incentive award, is entirely at the discretion of the Group, and may be zero in cases of substandard performance. The Group makes decisions on Variable Compensation based on abso lute and relative performance of the Group and its Divisions, as well as pre-agreed individual performance objectives of employees, market positioning, and a variety of other factors.
2.2
Deferred Compensation A portion of Variable Compensation is deferred to reflect the nature of the Groups business, its risk profile, and the desire to have compensation plans that are based on sustainable performance criteria. Generally, the higher an individuals Total Compensation, the higher the percentage that is deferred. Deferral percentages are regularly reviewed by the CC, and are internally communicated.
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Deferred compensation elements are typically subject to a minimum vesting period of three to five years. Longer deferral periods may be decided by the CC based on a number of factors. Deferred Variable Compensation contains a general provision that enables the Group to cancel outstanding awards if employees engage in activities that result in, or have the potential to result in, material harm financial, reputational, or other to the Group.
2.3
Deferred Compensation Instruments The Groups primary long-term incentive compensation plan is the Credit Suisse Group AG Ma ster Share Plan (the Plan ). In order to align the interests of shareholders and employees, the payment of a substantial percentage of Variable Compensation is typically in the form of shares or share-linked instruments issued pursuant to the rules of the Plan and associated award letters. For certain senior managers of the Group, minimum stock ownership requirements apply. For senior executives and other employees with the potential to have a material impact on the risk exposure of the Group, a portion of deferred compensation may be delivered in instruments that allow for upward or downward adjustments, including total recovery of unvested awards due to special circumstances during the vesting period. Any such adjustment is proportionate to positive or negative developments in the economic, capital, and financial position of the Group. There is a prohibition on all staff from entering into transactions to hedge the economic exposure tied to their long-term compensation before the deferred compensation is vested.
2.4
Specific Compensation Transactions Aside from the annual compensation review process, there are many compensation transactions throughout the year. The most common relate to new hires or terminations, and may entail guaranteed minimum Variable Compensation, sign-on awards, or termination payments.
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The BoD or the CC may approve the use of such transactions when a s per the Groups a pproval grid) and fully justified, and if specific approvals ( rules have been applied. In the case of guaranteed compensation, if such an arrangement is necessary at the time of a hire, the guarantee is limited to one year. It is the Groups Policy not to make uncondtional multi-year guarantees.
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Compensation Principles
3 .0
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3.1
Accrual of Variable Compensation Accrual of Variable Compensation occurs at the Group as well as at the ivisional level. It is based on sustainable, profit-based performance measures, D which include an adjustment for the cost of capital. It is also subject to the achievement of non-financial objectives and values reflected in the Groups Code of Conduct, with particular emphasis on ethics, risk, compliance and control. Moreover, final decisions about the size of the pools take into account the long-term capital position of the Group, and the need to provide an appropriate return to shareholders. The CC and BoD regularly review proposed accruals and related internal and ex ternal reports, and makes adjustments at its discretion. However, an accrual at the Group or at any other level, does not create legal rights or entitlements for employees to receive discretionary variable incentive awards.
3.2
Divisional Allocation Allocation varies by Division and the risk-adjusted performance of each Division is factored in to an appropriate ex tent. Adjustments of Divisional allocations are at the discretion of the BoD based on recommendations by the CC and are influenced by the long-term strategic direction and objectives of the Divisions. The Group typically uses an accrual approach that is reflective of Divisional performance-ba sed metrics, such a s percentage of Economic Contribution ( EC ), and the performance of the Group overall. The ShS Variable Compensation pool is separate from the revenuegenerating pool, is based on function-specific criteria as well as the performance of the Group as a whole and is not dependent on the performance of the specific business areas that ShS support.
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Compensation Principles
4 .0
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4.1 Performance
The Group adopts a performance culture with a strong emphasis on disciplined risk management, ethics and compliance-centered behavior. Allocation decisions are based on the performance of the Group, the Division, and the individual. To support this, the Group ha s a comprehensive performance management system based on two performance ratings: Contribution and Competency. Contribution ratings are typically based on objective criteria, such as achieving budget targets, increa sing market share, and successful completion of a project. Competency standards covering ethics, risk, and control form an integral part of the performance management system, and are embodied by five key pillars that support the Groups branding strategy and overall business vision: Proactive Approach; Principled Behavior, including ethics, risk and control; Partnership with Clients; People Leadership; and Professional Skills. Performance management systems are designed to foster teamwork and collaboration, a s well a s support a strong culture of ethical values and professional standards embodied by the Groups Code of Conduct. All managers and employees are aware of the risk a spects of compensation, and how their behaviors are factored into discretionary variable incentive award recommendations.
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4.2
Covered Employees The Total Compensation decision reflects the impact of the function, and its value within the organization. Total Compensation is influenced by the market value for a particular role, relative to predetermined Group business results and individual performance goals. The employees demonstrated skills, capabilities, criticality and experience in addition to behaviors demonstrating the vision, mission and principles of the Group are contributing factors in determining Total Compensation. Additionally, employees specific roles and/or levels are considered in part with a view towards determining the potential of an individual ( or group of individuals) to expose the Group to inappropriate risk. Both financial risks such as credit, market, and liquidity risks and non-financial risks such as compliance, legal, operational, and reputation risks are considered.
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4.3
Equal Compensation Opportunity The Group does not tolerate any form of discrimination, in particular discrimination based on ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, marital or family status, pregnancy, disability or any other status that is protected by local law. The Group encourages a safe and healthy work environment, free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. All aspects of the Groups Equal Employment Opportunity and Dignity at Work Policy (GP-00024), apply equally to the compensation-setting process. All employment-related decisions, including decisions on compensation, are ba sed on an individuals qualifications, performance and behavior, or other legitimate business considerations. Legitimate business considerations may include ( though need not be restricted to) the profitability of the Group, the Division and department of the individual, the strategic needs of the Group as well as any other considerations that the Group deems legitimate to its b usiness interests.
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Compensation Principles
5.0
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5.1
Board of Directors ( B oD) Compensation for the BoD is set in accordance with Swiss Law, the Articles of Association ( AoA) of the Group, the Charter of the Groups CC, and the Compensation Policy. All members of the BoD receive a base board fee plus an additional fee that r eflects the respective BoD members role and scope of responsibility on the Board. Fees are paid in the form of cash and Group shares. Shares are blocked for a period of four years. Members of the BoD without functional duties receive an annual base board fee and an annual committee fee for serving on the Audit, Risk or Compensation Committee. Members of the BoD with functional, non-executive duty as chairman of the Audit Committee, Risk Committee, or CC receive an annual base board fee and may recieve additional fees that reflect the greater responsibility and time commitment required to perform the role of committee chairman. The full-time Chairman is paid a base board fee plus additional fees which depend on both the performance of the Group and personal per formance. Such additional fees are paid in the form of ca sh and Group shares, blocked for period of four years.
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5.2
Executive Board ( E xB) Compensation for ExB members is reviewed by the CC and recommended for approval to the BoD. ExB compensation is designed to provide a meaningful alignment with the Groups strategic goals and the interest of its shareholders and to encourage strong teamwork and collaboration across Divisions. Salaries for members of the ExB are typically reviewed annually. The annual Variable Compensation component usually represents the most significant portion of an executives Total Compensation package. It varies from year to year, depending on the achievement of the Groups financial, non-financial, and relative performance goals as well as the executives individual performance. A high portion of the Variable Compensation of members of the ExB can be in the form of share-based or other deferred awards, which are subject to performance adjustment, vesting, holding, and future service requirements. The approach adopted in the design of ExB programs is to ensure that the Group is in line with the best practice among peer companies and to address requirements of regulators and investors, while motivating outstanding performance from our executives by rewarding them through the use of short term and long term incentives. The key features of the approach to Executive Board compensation are:
The setting of clear compensation target levels and caps for individual
at the end of the year ba sed on performance evaluated against pre determined objectives; The setting of an overall cap on the total amount of variable compensation that can be awarded to Executive Board members, in addition to the individual caps; Separating the granting of short-term variable incentive ( STI) awards and long-term variable incentive ( LTI) awards; STI awards vesting over a three-year period subject to sustained performance; and
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LTI awards vesting over a five-year period, conditional upon the Group meet-
ing performance requirements over a five-year period, with a cap on the amount that can be delivered from LTI awards.
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