Private equity firms have hiked pay by nearly 30% for juniors over the past year, as the buy-side faces pressure to keep pace with rapid pay inflation for investment banking analysts.

Investment professionals in Europe and Africa with up to two years’ experience in private equity were paid an average of €165,300 this year, according to new analysis by headhunters Heidrick & Struggles, up 16% on the previous year and 28% on 2020 when total compensation was €128,700.