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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.

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ARTICLE
27 August 2025
NEW TAX BILL AIMS TO ATTRACT MIGRANTS TO NEW ZEALAND
External News

DLA Piper

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types
New Zealand

The New Zealand Government’s new tax bill introduces measures to attract migrants and ease compliance, including a special “non-resident visitor” rule allowing digital nomads to work in New Zealand for up to 275 days without income tax, and a new foreign investment fund calculation method (RAM) to simplify tax for migrants on overseas shares. Key domestic changes include deferred tax timing for employee share schemes in unlisted companies, phased increases to KiwiSaver employer contributions, and tax exemptions for income from residential solar electricity sales. Other updates clarify SaaS exemptions from non-resident contractors’ tax, align PIE rules for cryptoassets, and repeal certain trust disclosure and taxpayer information provisions to simplify reporting.

ARTICLE
26 August 2025
ESOPS ARE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT— WHAT ADVISORS NEED TO KNOW IN 2025
External News

Forbes

USA

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are experiencing a resurgence in 2025, moving beyond manufacturing into mainstream industries as regulators and lawmakers push for broader employee ownership and new financing options. ESOPs offer powerful tax advantages and succession planning benefits, but they come with costs, complexity, and long-term obligations, prompting some businesses to consider Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) as a simpler alternative focused on legacy and cultural continuity. For business owners, the choice between ESOPs, EOTs, or other succession strategies ultimately depends on priorities such as liquidity, tax efficiency, employee retention, and preserving company values.

ARTICLE
24 August 2025
EXEMPTION GRANTED TO EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES IN TAX YEAR 2025-26
External News

Pkrevenue.com

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has granted tax exemptions for employee share schemes under the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 for the 2025–26 tax year, removing immediate tax liability when options are granted. Tax is only applied later, depending on the scheme’s structure—such as when transfer restrictions are lifted, shares are issued, or rights/options are sold. This reform is designed to encourage companies to adopt share schemes, align employee incentives with company growth, and ease tax burdens for workers.

ARTICLE
21 August 2025
THE RISING ROLE OF ESOPS IN SA MERGER APPROVALS
External News

Business Day

Design and strategy
Stock options
South Africa

In South Africa, mergers are now scrutinized not only for competition effects but also for public interest, with employee share ownership plans (ESOPs) becoming a decisive factor for approval. The 2024 guidelines mandate measurable increases in black and worker ownership, meaning even competitively neutral mergers can be blocked without transformative ownership structures. For multinationals, ESOPs are no longer compliance formalities but strategic tools to secure approvals, align with national transformation goals, and build inclusive, sustainable businesses.

LIVE WEBCAST
20 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
DEMYSTIFYING AI: OPPORTUNITIES, LIMITATIONS, AND THE PATH FORWARD
WEBCAST

Matt McKittrick, Baker Tilly
Loren Den Herder, Baker Tilly

Operational effectiveness
Trending now
All plan types
Global

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work—but what does that really mean for today’s business landscape? This session provides a clear, accessible overview of AI, including the current state of the technology, real-world examples of generative AI and machine learning in action, and the challenges organizations face in adopting it. We'll also explore internal roadblocks, such as resistance to change and data concerns, and take a realistic look at AI’s current limitations. Whether you’re new to the conversation or navigating AI integration within your organization, this session will leave you better equipped to evaluate its potential and prepare for what’s next.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain a foundational understanding of the current AI landscape and how it’s evolving.
  • Explore practical examples of generative AI and machine learning use cases in business.
  • Identify common internal challenges and limitations when implementing AI-driven solutions.

 
CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits 
*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

LIVE WEBCAST
14 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
Bridging the Talent Gap in Equity Management: Smart Strategies for a Stronger Future
webcast

Donna Bell, insightsoftware
Michael Mauro, insightsoftware

Design and strategy
Employee engagement
All plan types
Global

The equity compensation industry is facing a critical talent shortage—with more than 60% of finance teams struggling to hire qualified professionals and a shrinking pool of experienced talent creating long-term risks for business continuity. This timely webinar explores how organizations can proactively address this challenge by developing scalable strategies to attract, grow, and retain top equity talent.

Join us to discover how strategic career development, succession planning, and emerging technologies can future-proof your equity programs and ensure long-term success. Whether you're leading a team or building one, walk away with proven approaches to elevate your equity function in a competitive market.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the root causes of the talent gap and how it's impacting equity functions across industries
  • Explore practical strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining skilled equity professionals
  • Learn how to leverage automation and technology to optimize workflows and reduce dependency on hard-to-fill roles

 

 CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
 Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
 Levels: O
 Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
 Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

ARTICLE
14 August 2025
‘BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL’ AFFECTS TAX PLANNING FOR STOCK OPTIONS AND RSUS
External News

Forbes

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types
USA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) brings several tax changes that affect equity compensation, including raising the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 through 2029, though the benefit phases out for incomes above $500,000. It also alters Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rules beginning in 2026, making it more likely high earners exercising incentive stock options will trigger the AMT. Additionally, the law expands Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) benefits and shortens holding periods for capital gains exclusions, while adding new limits on charitable deductions starting in 2026.

ARTICLE
14 August 2025
ADMIRAL LIFTS H1 PROFIT AS UK MOTOR AND HOUSEHOLD LINES SURGE
External News

Insurance Business

Trending now
Japan

Admiral Group reported a 69% rise in first-half 2025 profit before tax to £521 million, with earnings per share up 72% and an interim dividend of 115p declared. Growth was driven by strong UK performance—motor profits rose 56% and household and money businesses more than doubled—alongside a 10% increase in customers to 11.4 million, though European insurance customers fell 3%. The group continued its record momentum from 2024, investing in technology and rewarding 13,000 employees with free shares, while maintaining a robust solvency ratio of 194%.

ARTICLE
13 August 2025
HS287 CAPITAL GAINS TAX AND EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES (2025)
External News

HMRC

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types
UK and Channel Islands

This helpsheet explains how Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to shares acquired through employee share schemes, including SIPs, SAYE, CSOPs, EMIs, and unapproved schemes. It outlines how to calculate the capital gains cost of shares, available reliefs (such as transfers to ISAs, pensions, or SIPs), and specific rules for restricted or same-day share acquisitions. It also details special provisions for Employee Shareholder Shares (ESS), including lifetime gain limits, and provides guidance on elections, claims, and compliance requirements.

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Available until 15 September

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