Highest-Paid CEOs in US Financial Services Sector Revealed by S&P Global Market Intelligence

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, Ares Management CEO Michael Arougheti was the highest-paid CEO in the US financial services sector in 2024, with compensation of $62.6M in stock grants and $22.8M in cash, totaling $85.4M. This nearly tripled his previous compensation.

Michael Arougheti, CEO of Ares Management Corporation, has seen a significant increase in his compensation in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Arougheti's total compensation for the year amounted to $85.4 million, which includes $62.6 million in stock grants and $22.8 million in cash. This figure is nearly triple his previous compensation, reflecting the company's robust performance and growth in market volatility [1].

Arougheti's compensation surge comes amidst a period of heightened market volatility and tariff news. Despite these challenges, Ares Management has maintained its core tenets of finding great businesses and strategies to invest in, leading to strong growth across key financial metrics. The company reported double-digit growth in AUM, fee-paying AUM, management fees, and fee-related earnings in the second quarter of 2025 [2].

The company's performance has been bolstered by increased confidence in the administration's pro-business stance, which has led to more transaction volume and private market activity. Arougheti attributes this momentum to the market's ability to find the signal through the noise, highlighting the fundamental performance of portfolios and pent-up demand for transactions [2].

Institutional investors have also shown confidence in Ares Management, with several major funds increasing their stakes in the company. Jefferies Financial Group Inc., for instance, reduced its holdings by 88.7% but remains a significant shareholder. Other notable investors, such as FMR LLC, Millennium Management LLC, and Lord Abbett & CO. LLC, have significantly increased their positions in the company [2].

Ares Management's stock has seen a range of target prices from brokerages, with an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a current trading price around $187.99. The company's financial performance and Arougheti's compensation reflect the market's confidence in Ares Management's ability to navigate market volatility and deliver strong returns [2].

References:
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/staying-course-amid-tariff-news-market-volatility-michael-arougheti-efpfe
[2] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-jefferies-financial-group-inc-trims-stock-position-in-ares-management-corporation-nyseares-2025-08-05/