dodd-frank wall street reform

CEO bonuses rose 30.5% in the past year, but are the heads of large U.S. firms really earning their hefty compensation packages by creating increased profits and shareholder value? A closer look reveals wide disparities: There are some Bargain CEOs, but also some Hogs and Value Destroyers.

The federal government says excessive pay at financial institutions was one of the main causes of the recent economic crisis. It now wants to make sure bank executives and traders take less risk, by insisting they defer a large part of their compensation.

Some top financial institutions are moving surprisingly quickly to change how they operate. Question is: Did the financial reform law force their hands, or is this just a good time for big banks to rethink their business?

Moody's is reviewing 10 large regional banks for possible downgrades because it thinks financial reform means total government support is now less likely. That's setting off a debate about whether those banks will actually take a hit to profitability.