The HC Commodities Podcast

Episode: AVAILABLE NOW: Global Middle and Back Office Salary Report 2025
Host: Paul Chapman, HC Group
Release Date: October 31, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise special episode, Paul Chapman, host and representative of HC Group, announces the release of the Global Middle and Back Office Commodity Trading Salary Report 2025. The episode serves as a direct briefing to industry professionals, HR leaders, and company officers in the commodities sector, covering the purpose, scope, and unique value of the new salary report. Chapman outlines the increasing importance of middle and back office roles, the methodology behind the report, and its relevance in the context of current market demands.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Announcement of the Salary Report

• Release: The 2025 middle and back office salary report is officially published by HC Group's Talent Intelligence team.
• Purpose: Aimed at HR leaders and company officers to ensure competitive compensation for critical non-front office roles.

2. Scope and Structure of the Report

• Functions Covered:
  • Risk and Middle Office
  • Legal and Compliance
  • Trade Finance and Structured Trade Finance
  • Finance and Treasury
  • HR and Technology
    — Multiple managerial levels included: manager, senior, mid-level, and junior
• Geographical Coverage:
  • UK
  • Switzerland
  • USA
  • Singapore
  • UAE
  • Brazil

3. Data Methodology and Value

• Data Source:
  • Proprietary Talent Intelligence: Report built from internal HC Group data, not surveys.
  • Unique Value:
    • Avoids "normalizing effects" found in survey-based data.
    • More accurate for roles sometimes outside traditional commercial or commodity trading groups.
• Reporting Focus:
  • This edition exclusively covers base salaries.
  • Bespoke reporting for clients can include total compensation and bonus structures.
  • Includes trends observed in the sector.

4. Market Trends & Importance

• Demand Surge:

  • Middle and back office, particularly technology and risk roles, are in exceptionally high demand globally.

• Business Planning Connection:

  • As business planning season approaches, salary benchmarking is crucial due to increased compensation opacity and the vital nature of these roles.
  • Quote:

    "With middle and back office, base salaries become increasingly important, they're a more significant chunk of total compensation for individuals and often bonus is predicated on the base salary itself."
    – Paul Chapman, 01:50

• Strategic Message:

  • The report is timely and vital for any organization expanding their global trading platforms and seeking to remain competitive, fair, and market-relevant in compensation practices.

5. Access and Contact Information

• Report Cost: $10,000
• How to Inquire:
  • Link in show notes or
  • Email: intelligence@hcgroup.global
• Additional Customization: HC Group offers tailored reports upon request.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "It's designed for HR leaders and company officers who want to make sure that they are staying competitive and relevant for these crucial functions, most of which are in high demand as we see platforms build out globally."
  – Paul Chapman, 00:34

• "Rather than being generated by a survey, this information is generated by Talent Intelligence proprietary data... you don't get the normalizing effects as many of these roles can sometimes sit outside of the commercial groups or commodity trading groups and be deflated as a result."
  – Paul Chapman, 01:12

• "This is our first report for middle and back office. We did our front office report back in May, but obviously with middle and back office... there is more significant chunk of total compensation for individuals and often bonus is predicated on the base salary itself and these roles can be quite opaque at the moment."
  – Paul Chapman, 01:42

• "Many roles like technology and risk are in exceptionally high demand, so getting it right is key, especially as we head into business planning season."
  – Paul Chapman, 02:15

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:25: Introduction of the Global Middle and Back Office Commodity Trading Salary Report 2025
• 00:47: Scope of functions and regions covered
• 01:12: Explanation of data methodology and emphasis on proprietary intelligence
• 01:50: Importance of base salaries and trends in compensation
• 02:15: Demand for technology and risk roles; connection to business planning
• 02:25: Instructions for inquiry and contact
• 02:41: Episode close

Summary

This episode is a direct, information-rich announcement of HC Group's new benchmark report for middle and back office commodity trading salaries. Paul Chapman underscores the report’s proprietary data, its crucial role for decision-makers in a rapidly evolving market, and provides clear avenues for organizations to obtain or customize further compensation intelligence as needed. The episode’s tone is authoritative yet accessible, with an emphasis on practical value for industry professionals.