Co-founder and CEO of the Blackstone Group Steven Shwarzman, according to filed papers by the equity firm, received pay and cash dividends amounting to US$213.3 million. This was near the 2012 payout he received that amounted to US$213.5 million.

Another fund head, Leon Black co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management LLC, for his part received as compensation and dividends for 2012 the amount of US$125.5 million. Last year's payout, according to the firm, was 'just' US$77.3 million. KKR's co-founders and co CEOs, Henry Kravis and George Roberts received a little over US$137 million for 2012.

Blackstone's rose to US$2 billion, making for a banner year for the firm in 2012 after its 2007 IPO. According to Shwarzman, "When private equity works, it really works. And our credit business truly had a standout year."

Apollo is valued at US$1.5 billion in 2012, despite losses in 2011. According to Apollo's President, Mark Spilker, "Given the nature of our portfolio, when it was invested and how these companies are doing, we believe that we were ripe for monetizations. As long as the window stays open, it feels like a good time for us to monetize."