Durlacher, the struggling former technology bank, is expected to face fierce shareholder opposition over a lucrative new bonus scheme for staff and a controversial options plan.

The new plans are being spearheaded by Christopher Stainforth, Durlacher's chief executive who is overseeing a broadening of the bank's business areas in a bid to reverse its ailing fortunes. Stainforth worked at Phillips & Drew when it was involved in the Blue Arrow scandal in the UK in the 1980s, but was subsequently exonerated in the investigation.