Simon Wright, head of Macquarie's commodities and trading arm, received A$35.4mn ($25.5mn) last year—more than chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake's A$26.5mn payout. The surge came after profit at his division jumped 49 per cent, driven by asset sales and energy market volatility. Wright replaced Nick O'Kane in 2024.

The payouts reflect Macquarie's "millionaires' factory" profit-share model, which has drawn scrutiny. Regulatory investigations led to pay cuts—Wikramanayake's performance-based pay was reduced by A$7mn and Wright's by A$1.7mn. Chair Glenn Stevens acknowledged investors' concerns, noting the company responded with greater transparency around compensation adjustments.

Macquarie reported a 30 per cent rise in annual net income to A$4.9bn, with all divisions reporting gains—asset management up 27 per cent, banking rose 17 per cent, and investment advisory jumped 43 per cent. The commodities division led the way, boosted by selling a UK smart metering business and increased client hedging in gas, oil and power markets. Shares opened 5 per cent higher before slipping into negative territory.