Why it’s troubling that Hong Kong board-member pay ranges from US$850 to US$1.67 million

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Themis QiFebruary 15, 2026 at 04:30 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

A recent survey by the Hong Kong Independent Non-Executive Director Association (HKINEDA) revealed a significant disparity in board member pay at Hong Kong-listed companies in 2024. The highest-paid independent non-executive director (INED) earned US$1.67 million, while the lowest received just US$867.94. This vast difference, much wider than in other major markets like the US S&P 500, raises concerns about the quality of talent attracted to lower-paying positions and the potential for compromised independence in highly compensated roles. The top-paid director was at United Company Rusal, and the lowest-paid was at Haina Intelligent Equipment International. Experts suggest that such a wide pay gap could impact the ability of INEDs to ensure strong governance and effective risk management within these companies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

S&P 500 30% Spencer Stuart 30% Fujian province 40% United States 40% Haina Intelligent Equipment International 50% Russia 50% United Company Rusal 60% Robert Lee Wai-wang 60% Hong Kong Independent Non-Executive Director Association (HKINEDA) ×270% Hong Kong ×490%

Keywords

board-member pay 90% ined 80% independent non-executive director 70% hong kong-listed companies 70% corporate governance 60% pay disparity 60% risk management 50% talent attraction 40% financial services 40%