GEO INSIGHTS

ACCESS THE LATEST GLOBAL EQUITY COMPENSATION INSIGHTS

Read industry news, explore technical updates, access ideas on global employee compensation innovation, and find ways to connect.

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION

ARTICLE

23 April 2026

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AROUND THE WORLD: SLOVENIA INTRODUCES NEW EO MODEL

Postlethwiate

Legal and regulatory

All plan types

Slovenia has introduced a new legal employee ownership model (effective 2026) that lets employees collectively buy and hold company shares through a cooperative structure, mainly to support business succession and employee ownership. The model is designed to keep upfront employee costs low by using financing options like loans or seller support, while offering tax incentives to encourage adoption. It aims to preserve businesses and increase employee participation, with a more direct and democratic structure than many existing employee ownership systems.

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IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

22 April 2026, 7 - 11:59pm CDT

25TH GEO AWARDS

AUSTIN, TX

All plan types

Global

ATTEND THE 25TH GEO AWARDS GALA

Join the global share plan community in Austin, Texas on 22 April 2026 as we celebrate the 25th GEO Awards.

This milestone event will take place in the Lone Star Ballroom of the JW Marriott Austin, where we will honor the most innovative and impactful share plan and executive compensation strategies from around the world.

The celebration continues with an exclusive after party at The Edge rooftop, offering spectacular views and the perfect setting to connect with peers and friends across the GEO community.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

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IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

21 April 2026, 7am - 23 April 2026, 5pm CDT

GEO'S 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AUSTIN, TX

All plan types

Global

JOIN THE GLOBAL SHARE PLAN COMMUNITY AT GEO'S 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

On 21 - 23 April 2026 more than 350+ global share plan and executive compensation professionals, company directors, senior managers, stock plan, HR, reward and benefits professionals will fill the halls at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas.

Our flagship conference is where the best equity minds meet. It brings together academics, thought leaders, stock plan experts and policy makers from across the globe to explore best practice in equity compensation and work together to drive a vision for future employee share ownership.

Unlock a world of possibilities – igniting inspiration regardless of your experience!

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

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ARTICLE

16 April 2026

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES INTRODUCTION OF EU EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLANS

Arthur Cox

Legal and regulatory

All plan types

European Union

On 18 March 2026, the European Commission proposed “EU Inc.”, a new optional EU-wide corporate structure designed to simplify cross-border operations, boost competitiveness, and support startup growth through a harmonised set of corporate rules. A key feature is the introduction of EU employee stock option plans (EU-ESOs), which would allow companies to grant portable stock options across EU member states and defer taxation until the shares are sold, helping employees avoid “dry tax” on unrealised gains. The proposal would significantly change the treatment of share options in countries like Ireland by aligning EU-ESOs more closely with Ireland’s Key Employee Engagement Programme, and it is now under review by the European Parliament and Council with a target agreement date by the end of 2026.

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

27 May 2026, 9:30am - 12pm CEST

SPAIN CHAPTER MEETING-BARCELONA

Barcelona, Spain

Spain

Join GEO in Barcelona: GEO Chapter Meeting on Spanish Equity Plans and AI

We’re delighted to invite you to an upcoming GEO Chapter meeting in Barcelona—bringing together industry experts and peers to explore what’s working (and what isn’t) in Spanish equity plans, and how aligning incentives can support long-term success.

SPEAKERS: Gilad Barnoy, Deel | Pol Cots, Cuatrecasas | Augustin Serban, The Magnum Ice Cream Company | Joao Teque, Galderma | Sergio Perez, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions

SESSION ONE – Navigating Payroll Challenges in Equity Compensation: A Practical Review for Spain
Take part in a practical deep dive into the most common payroll challenges faced when managing equity incentives in Spain. Featuring insights from experts at Deel and Cuatrecasas, this session will explore real-world scenarios, highlight compliance pitfalls, and share actionable best practices to help you manage equity payroll with confidence.

SESSION TWO – Unregulated Intelligence: AI’s Growing Impact on Equity Incentives and Data Protection
As AI continues to reshape equity compensation, new opportunities—and risks—are emerging. Hear from industry leaders as they examine the implications of limited regulation, evolving data protection concerns, and what organisations should be doing now to stay ahead in this rapidly changing space.

Stay with us after the sessions for our interactive “AI in an Equity World” quiz game, hosted by quizmaster Christian Hyldig—a fun and engaging way to wrap up the day while testing your knowledge alongside peers.

We look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona!

LOCATION
Av. Diagonal
191
Sant Martí
08018 Barcelona

REGISTRATION AND COST

Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

20 May 2026, 11:30am - 1:30pm EDT

CANADA CHAPTER MEETING - MONTREAL

Montreal, Quebec

Trending now

All plan types

Canada

The GEO Toronto Chapter is delighted to invite you to a special in-person event in Montreal, bringing together the local equity compensation community for an engaging afternoon of learning, insight, and connection.

This dynamic program is designed to explore the latest trends, challenges, and strategies shaping today’s equity compensation landscape—equipping you with practical ideas and actionable takeaways to strengthen your programmes and enhance your impact as an equity leader.

Speakers: Amelie Desrochers, Deloitte; Sheila Frierson, Computershare

SESSION ONE: Myth Busters – Global Share Plans Unveiled
Cut through the noise and challenge common misconceptions around implementing global share plans. This interactive session will explore how local qualified plans—across the UK, US, and Ireland—can continue to deliver value within a global framework. Hear directly from industry experts and take the opportunity to have your questions answered in an open discussion.

SESSION TWO: Curious About the Future of Equity Compensation?
Be among the first to hear exclusive insights from the 2025 Global Equity Insights Survey. We’ll dive into emerging trends in reporting, equal pay, and the growing influence of AI on equity programmes—alongside key considerations for Canadian-based issuers. Expect fresh perspectives and practical insights you can apply immediately.

A light lunch will be provided, offering additional time to network with peers and continue the conversation.

We look forward to welcoming you in Montreal!

REGISTRATION AND COST
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

LOCATION
La Tour Deloitte
1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Suite 500
Quebec H3B 0M7

Register

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

28 May 2026, 12:30 - 2:30pm MDT

GREATER ROCKIES CHAPTER MEETING-SALT LAKE CITY

Salt Lake City, UT

Trending now

All plan types

USA

JOIN GEO IN SALT LAKE CITY: EQUITY COMPENSATION ROUNDTABLE AND NETWORKING

SPEAKERS: Lenka Haase, Fidelity; | Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies | Amberly Fullmer, Reddit | Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley | Adam McDonald, Insightsoftware

We’re pleased to invite you to an engaging afternoon in Salt Lake City, bringing together equity compensation professionals for a focused and collaborative discussion on the evolving landscape of our field.

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to exploring the latest developments in equity compensation. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of plan administration or aiming to stay ahead of regulatory changes, this session offers a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day demands and engage in high-level, strategic discussion with your peers.

Through an interactive roundtable format, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, share experiences, and walk away with practical insights to help you address current challenges and plan for what’s ahead.

Following the session, stay with us for networking and a relaxed social gathering—an ideal chance to continue the conversation and strengthen connections within the local community.

We look forward to welcoming you in Salt Lake City!

LOCATION
Fidelity Salt Lake Office
49 N 400 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

REGISTRATION AND COST
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

REGISTER

ARTICLE

10 April 2026

CONSULTATION ON LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR TAX INCENTIVES FOR STARTUPS - EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS

PwC

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

Netherlands

The Netherlands is proposing new tax incentives to support startups and scale-ups, including a favorable employee stock option regime where only 65% of benefits are taxed and tax is deferred until shares are sold. It also introduces a clearer definition of startups for tax purposes to improve access to talent and investment. To fund this, existing entrepreneur tax deductions will be reduced in 2027 and abolished by 2030.

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ARTICLE

6 April 2026

HS287 CAPITAL GAINS TAX AND EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES 2026

HM Revenue & Customs

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

UK and Channel Islands

This HMRC helpsheet explains how employee share schemes and share options are treated for Capital Gains Tax, covering approved schemes (like SIP, SAYE, CSOP, EMI) and unapproved arrangements. In general, your CGT cost is what you paid for the shares plus any amount already taxed as employment income, with special rules for different schemes (for example, SIP shares can be CGT-free if held correctly, and EMI options get favourable treatment including from grant date for relief purposes). It also sets out administrative rules such as reporting requirements, elections (like same-day share acquisition elections), transfers to ISAs or pensions, and reliefs for certain disposals, all of which affect how and when tax is calculated on employee-related shares.

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