This happens fairly often with C level execs, and generally with anyone who gets big bonuses that are restricted over time, specifically hedge fund employees is

This happens fairly often with C level execs, and generally with anyone who gets big bonuses that are restricted over time, specifically hedge fund employees is the area I'm familiar with. If you want to hire them away, its common for you to have to make up the loss they would take from walking away from the restricted portion of their bonus. I've seen payouts to traders and technologists of up to 3 million, 50+ million is, well, that's a lot of money to make up:)