Why a 2,000-fold pay gap for Hong Kong board members may be a troubling sign
South China Morning Post
by Themis QiFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Hong Kong-listed company board member pay gap has reached an alarming 2,000-fold disparity, raising concerns about corporate governance and talent recruitment. The highest-paid independent non-executive director (INED) earned $1.67 million in 2024, while the lowest received just $867, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Independent Non-Executive Director Association (HKINEDA). This stark contrast, far greater than in other major markets like the U.S., where the gap is only 12 times, has sparked worries about the quality of governance and risk management. Experts warn that such disparity could indicate issues with attracting skilled talent at lower pay levels or a lack of independence among high-paid directors.
The survey analyzed over 2,600 companies and found that the top 10 earners averaged $555,333, compared to just $21,466 for the bottom 10. The company with the highest-paid director was United Company Rusal, Russia’s largest aluminum producer, while Haina Intelligent Equipment International, a manufacturer of automated machines for hygiene products, had the lowest-paid INED. This wide disparity could signal problems in ensuring strong governance and effective risk management, as independent directors play a critical role in监督ing company operations.
Legislator Robert Lee Wai-wang highlighted that striking a balance is essential to attract suitable board members. Too large a gap might reflect quality issues at lower pay levels or independence concerns at the high end. The findings raise questions about whether Hong Kong’s corporate governance standards are sufficient to maintain investor confidence, especially as global markets increasingly focus on effective oversight and risk management practices.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/15/2026