Compensation for top executives rose 26 percent at these banks as reported earnings increased 2.6 percent on average on a per-share basis, KBW said, adding that the pay rise was consistent with the increase in profits. Top executives in the banking sector are beginning to reap the reward for steering their firms in the aftermath of the financial crisis and putting them back on the path to profitability. In the most recent quarter, five of the six top Wall Street banks reported record earnings even though most of it was due to cost cutting and lower legal expenses.