lastly, an average performer (if all else being smooth and lucky) may be good enough to reach director in 15 years in the industry. snr director in 20 years.

slightly luckier ones would become MD about 20-22 years (some of these are considerably high flyers). mid 40s for guys heading the entire dept (ie; corp banking/IB). that is the most reasonable estimate ive seen. ive not worked long enough to provide real evidence and these are mostly my observations, so feel free to comment if you feel otherwise.

the above post on the MD pay range are from a research by HAYS recruitment.