Dealmaker bonuses will swell to highs last seen in the pre-financial crisis heyday as banks battle to retain key talent, according to a closely-watched Wall Street compensation outlook.

Bonuses for bankers in equity underwriting roles are set to increase by 35% this year, the biggest rise of any role amid a dealmaking boom in 2021, according to analysis by New York-based compensation consultants Johnson Associates. M&A bankers are likely to see bonuses rise by 25%, the firm added.