Key Takeaways
- Bank of America (BAC) increased CEO Brian Moynihan’s total compensation to $41 million for 2025, a 17% jump from the $35 million he received the previous year.
- President Donald Trump declared that voter ID requirements will be enforced for the 2026 midterm elections, asserting the mandate will proceed regardless of Congressional approval.
- The pay raise follows a year of strong financial results for the bank, including a 13% increase in net income to $30.5 billion and a 25% rise in its share price during 2025.
- Trump’s directive coincides with the House passage of the SAVE America Act, though the President signaled he is prepared to use executive authority to bypass potential Senate gridlock.
- Moynihan’s compensation aligns with a broader trend among "Big Six" lenders, where $40 million is becoming the new benchmark for executive pay following record-breaking industry profits.
Bank of America (BAC) has significantly boosted the annual pay for Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan, rewarding the executive for a year of robust organic growth and market outperformance. The board approved a total 2025 compensation package of $41 million, up from $35 million in 2024, citing Moynihan's leadership in navigating a complex interest rate environment.
The bank reported $113.1 billion in revenue for 2025, supported by record net interest income and a 19% increase in diluted earnings per share to $3.81. Market analysts noted that the raise places Moynihan in line with peers like JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon, who received $43 million, and Goldman Sachs (GS) CEO David Solomon, who led the group with $47 million.
In the political arena, President Donald Trump sparked fresh debate by vowing that voter ID will be a requirement for all voters in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. "There will be voter I.D. for the midterm elections," Trump stated on Friday, adding that the measure would be implemented "whether approved by Congress or not."
The announcement follows the recent House approval of the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring documentary proof of citizenship and photo identification for federal elections. While the legislation faces a difficult path in the Senate, Trump’s comments suggest a move toward nationalizing election standards through executive action. Legal experts anticipate immediate challenges to such a mandate, as the U.S. Constitution traditionally grants states the primary authority over election administration.
The dual developments highlight a period of heightened institutional activity as the U.S. enters a critical election year. While Bank of America (BAC) focuses on maintaining its $2.01 trillion deposit base and expanding its digital dominance, the federal government appears headed for a significant legal showdown over the mechanics of the democratic process.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.