Peter Wuffli has done it. Other UBS executives are reportedly being asked to do it (and may yet be obliged to if they abstain). Rumour even had it that Lehman Brothers bankers would be required to do it following the company’s bankruptcy.

So would you give back all or some of last year’s bonus?

Contrary to stereotype, it is not without precedent for bankers to forgo monetary rewards. When John Mack joined Credit Suisse in 2003, he famously persuaded some of its overpaid employees to sacrifice the generous packages awarded by his predecessor.

This time, however, it’s different. This time it looks like bonus payments will stay depressed for a while and that opportunities to recoup what’s been relinquished any time soon will be limited.

However, giving back a bit of your bonus would make you look good. It would also help your organisation during a difficult time. So will you give it up for the good of your comrades?