The plan, which has not been finalised, would have the characteristics of variable pay but qualify as fixed pay, helping Europe's biggest bank meet the new rules.

Sky News, which first reported the plan, said the payments would be in quarterly instalments and staff would need to keep them for five years.

HSBC declined to comment.

Many banks are restructuring pay after EU rules came into force this month that will cap variable pay at twice an employee's fixed salary. Barclays is planning to pay staff in specific risk-taking roles an additional monthly payment, and other banks are expected to follow with similar models.

(Reporting by Steve Slater; Editing by Greg Mahlich)

Stocks treated in this article : HSBC Holdings plc, Barclays PLC