Book excerpt: The excessive risk-taking at banks might account for the failure of financial undertakings, as well as to systemic problems in the European Union and around the world. The inappropriate design of remuneration systems in many financial institutions is reported to induce such risk-taking. The EU regulators have intervened through legislative measures which have been differently implemented in Member States. Such legislative measures face critics due to the restriction in banks’ freedom of business. However, this book will point out that regulations are necessary and can be justified in order to protect the common good of a sound functioning financial market. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of current legislative provisions is challenged. Therefore, this book will critically analyse the legislation of bankers’ remuneration, focussing on relevant EU, UK and German measures.