HSBC today reported profits more than doubled in 2010 to 19 billion US dollars (£11.8 billion), with every region in the black for the first time since 2006.The banking giant's result marks a sharp rise on the 7.1 billion dollars (£4.4 billion) posted in 2009.
But HSBC's new chairman Douglas Flint said the group will "not forget" the financial crisis and support from governments around the world, adding the group entered 2011 "with humility".
However, they then go on to pay new chief executive Stuart Gulliver - formerly head of the investment bank - a £5.2 million bonus for 2010, taking his total package for the year to £6.2 million.
The bank's former boss Michael Geoghegan - who stepped down as chief executive on December 31 - picked up a £3.8 million bonus and a total package of £5.8 million for the year. He will continue to work for the group until he retires on March 31, and will be paid more than £1.4 million in pay and pension this year. Mr Geoghegan is also entitled to £200,000 for three months' consultancy work after he retires, although he will donate this to charity.
Well, that's alright then.
