Lloyds Banking Group has donated just £50,000 to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief effort, 92 per cent less than the £620,000 donated by US actress Sandra Bullock.

The banking group’s donation is a mere blip compared to the 1.45 million pound bonus, which has been offered to former chief executive officer Eric Daniels for his work at the company in 2010.

HSBC, meanwhile, donated £306,000 to the relief fund despite revealing last month that it is paying five of its management board a bonus of £2.75 million.

Big-hearted JP Morgan, however, has stumped up £3.12 million towards the effort, making it by far the biggest donor, while Barclays has paid £1.5 million to the British Red Cross who are assisting with the relief effort.

JP Morgan Chase said it felt the size of its donations was a necessary commitment for a financial services organisation that prides itself on its community initiatives worldwide.

Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of the company, said the sizable donation has been split between the Red Cross, World Vision and the various charities assisting with temporary shelters, medical assistance and sanitation.

He added, ‘This donation is to help both with immediate needs as well as the ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the months ahead. Exact allocations will be determined in following a full assessment of the earthquake’s damage and the country’s needs.’

Bank of America was one of the first financial services organisations to make a donation, putting in £760,000 to support charities and the American and Japanese Red Cross rescue and refuge missions.

Brian Moynihan, president and chief executive of Bank of America, said, ‘We are coordinating with employees in Japan and across the globe on a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging a swift recovery.'

He added, ‘In addition, Bank of America will match employee pledges to the Japan Earthquake/Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund through the bank's Matching Gifts program, and will not limit its overall company donation.’

Russell Investments is also among the donors, pledging £77,200. Henderson Global Investors, Prudential, Schroders, Co-operative Bank and Banco Santander refused to disclose their donations.

Top five financial services donations so far:

1. JP Morgan - £3,120,000
2. Barclays - £1,500,000
3. Bank of America - £760,000
4. HSBC - £306,000
5. Russell Investments - £77,200