Is option-based compensation restrained by largest potential risk exposure? Evidence from the banking industry

Abstract

Excessive risk taking induced by equity-based executive compensation is more (less) of a concern to the shareholders if the largest potential risk exposure is large (small). This study empirically shows that the intensity of option-based compensation to a bank's CEO decreases with the bank's largest potential risk exposure and its largest potential increase in risk exposure. These findings suggest a possibility of banks self-regulating their compensation structures.