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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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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
24 September 2024, 11:30am - 4:30pm EDT
NEW YORK CHAPTER MEETING
NY

New York and Philadelphia

All plan types
USA

JOIN US IN NEW YORK OR PHILADELPHIA

The GEO East Coast Chapters are pleased to present three sessions that are sure to inform, educate, and spark new ideas for your plan designs. Hosted in two cities, with live speakers in New York, join us at the most convenient location for you!

These sessions will explore the intersection of AI and human expertise in equity compensation, how life-changing events can create challenges for global share plan administration, and challenge the conventional wisdom that equity compensation plans may lead to harmful dilution


SESSION ONE: AI VS HUMAN EXPERTISE: EXPLORING CHATGPT'S ROLE IN EQUITY COMPENSATION
SPEAKERS: TERRY ADAMSON, INFINITE EQUITY

Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and equity compensation in this engaging session. As ChatGPT evolves, this session questions whether AI can match human expertise in this field. Our panel of equity compensation experts will critique ChatGPT's responses, examining its handling of scenarios like stock options, restricted stock units, and performance shares through live demonstrations and discussions.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Assess the strengths and limitations of ChatGPT in equity compensation compared to expert knowledge.
  • Explore practical AI applications in equity compensation, including stock options and performance shares.
  • Discuss AI's future impact on finance and compensation roles, and its potential to reshape financial advisory and equity compensation professions.

     


SESSION TWO: LIFE INTERUPPTED - STRATEGIES FOR LIFE CHANGES IN GLOBAL EQUITY PLANS IN A COMPLEX LEGAL LANDSCAPE
SPEAKERS: LINDSAY MINNIS, BAKER MCKENZIE AND KIMBERLY FRANKO LOWER, BAKER MCKENIZE 

Navigating life-changing events within equity plans can be complex, especially when factoring in global legal and regulatory requirements. This session explores how companies can effectively manage these challenges, focusing on leaves of absence, terminations, and other major life events from both compliance and administrative perspectives. We'll cover strategies for handling long-term incentive awards like RSUs and options, as well as employee stock purchase programs, while avoiding legal pitfalls and balancing administrative challenges in a multijurisdictional context.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn about the complexities of managing global equity compensation plans, in during significant life events like leaves of absence and terminations.
  • Gain insights into the potential legal and practical pitfalls that can arise when handling life-changing events in global share plans.
  • Explore practical solutions for balancing administrative challenges and managing compliance risks associated with long-term incentive awards.

     


SESSION THREE: CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL WISDOM: DILUTION FROM EQUITY PLANS
SPEAKERS: AARON SHAPIRO, CARVER EDISON

In this session we'll challenge the conventional wisdom that equity compensation plans lead to harmful dilution. By examining common myths and presenting data-driven insights, we'll reveal true dilutive impact and benefits of these plans. Attendees will learn how thoughtfully designed equity plans can align interests, foster loyalty, and drive long-term success without significant dilution. Join us to rethink equity compensation and empower your company's growth.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Understand the real dilutive impact of equity compensation plans versus common misconceptions.
  • Learn how well-designed equity plans can align interests and foster employee loyalty.
  • Discover strategies to drive long-term growth with equity plans while minimizing dilution.

 

Lunch for New York generously provided by Bank of America                     Lunch for Philadelphia generously provided by KPMG

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LOCATION

NEW YORK
Paramount 
1515 Broadway
31st Floor
New York, NY 10166

PHILADELPHIA
KPMG
1735 Market St
4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

ARTICLE
23 September 2024
TO DEDUCT OR NOT TO DEDUCT? DEALING WITH EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES IN M&A TRANSACTIONS
External News

Dentons

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types
New Zealand

In 2018, New Zealand reformed the taxation of employee share schemes (ESS), but many aspects of the new rules, particularly regarding employer deductions under section DV 27 of the Income Tax Act 2007, have remained unclear. The recent Interpretation Statement 24/07 provides guidance, indicating that while the Australian case Clough v Commissioner of Taxation could influence deductions, it is uncertain whether New Zealand courts would apply it due to differences in statutory frameworks. The statement clarifies that deductions may be available if cancellation payments to employees are tied to past employment services rather than capital transactions, encouraging employers to design their ESS with liquidity events in mind to avoid non-deductible expenses.

ARTICLE
23 September 2024
EMPOWER ACQUIRES OPTIONTRAX TO DELIVER INTEGRATED EQUITY COMPENSATION SOLUTIONS
External News

Empower

Trending now
All plan types
USA

Empower has acquired Plan Management Corporation (PMC), the creator of OptionTrax®, a leading digital equity plan administration platform, to expand its retirement and wealth management services. The acquisition will integrate OptionTrax's equity compensation platform with Empower’s financial tools, offering enhanced equity compensation services to both public and private companies. Empower aims to meet growing market demand for equity compensation management, helping employers provide valuable equity benefits to their employees, while OptionTrax will continue operating under the brand "OptionTrax by Empower."

ARTICLE
23 September 2024
SHARE PURCHASE PLAN AND GENERAL SHARE OFFER
External News

Business Desk

Trending now
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
New Zealand

Being AI (NZX: BAI) announced a Share Purchase Plan (SPP) on September 12, 2024, for existing New Zealand shareholders to raise funds for acquiring complementary businesses, developing new technology, and launching Charter school initiatives. The SPP closes on September 24, 2024, with a General Offer for non-shareholders to participate in any shortfall under the SPP, closing on September 26, 2024. Both offers provide detailed terms and participation guidelines through online documents, with flexibility for late applications.

ARTICLE
19 September 2024
SHAREHOLDER PLANS WIDESPREAD IN ITALY
External News

Optio

Trending now
All plan types

In 2024, Italy saw a surge in the adoption of Broad-Based Employee Share Plans (PADs), with notable companies like Eni and Unicredit implementing them as a form of employee remuneration. PADs allow employees to acquire company shares through purchase or as free gifts, often with incentives like discounts or free shares for those who buy. These plans serve multiple purposes, including attracting and retaining talent, enhancing employer branding, showcasing corporate stability to investors, and fostering a culture of ownership among employees.

ARTICLE
19 September 2024
EXERCISE IN CAMURUS’ EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS PROGRAM 2021/2024
External News

Camurus

Trending now
Stock options
Sweden

Camurus AB announced that 142,300 options from its ESOP 2021/2024 program were exercised in September 2024, generating SEK 37.5 million through the issuance of shares at SEK 263.50 per share. Employees, including the CEO, participated in cashless exercises, selling shares to cover the cost of subscription and taxes. The exercise period for the stock options program will conclude on December 16, 2024.

LIVE WEBCAST
19 September 2024, 11am - 12pm EDT
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES: UNDERSTANDING EQUITY COMPENSATION PERCEPTIONS AND NEEDS ACROSS BORDERS
Webcast

Emily Cervino, FGE, Fidelity 
Sarah Francis, Fidelity

All plan types
Global

Enhance your global equity compensation strategy by delving into participant perceptions worldwide. In this webinar on September 19, explore the unique characteristics of participants in Canada, China, Germany, India, the UK, the US as well as some fascinating insights into how age and gender impact perceptions. Gain insights into the similarities and differences in satisfaction, understanding, confidence, and educational needs regarding company stock plans.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Uncover commonalities and distinctions in participant perceptions across diverse global locations
  • Understand the unique factors influencing satisfaction, confidence, and understanding of equity compensation programs
  • Identify actionable insights to tailor your strategy for a more effective and globally resonant approach

 

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

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

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

 

 

For plan sponsor use only.
The Global Equity Organization and Fidelity Stock Plan Services are not affiliated.
Fidelity Stock Plan Services, LLC
© 2024 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.
135656.1.0

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
18 September 2024, 11am - 6pm PDT
14TH ANNUAL NORCAL FORUM
NorCal

San Mateo, CA 

USA

Save the date to connect with your NorCal community this September in San Mateo, CA! 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
18 September 2024, 4 - 5pm EDT
TORONTO CHAPTER MEETING
Toronto

Toronto

All plan types
Canada

GEO TORONTO CHAPTER SUMMER/FALL 2024 MEETING

Meet and hear from local equity compensation professionals at the next GEO Toronto Chapter meeting.

 

SESSION ONE: THE BEST OF NASHVILLE
From Nashville to Toronto: the GEO Toronto Chapter is excited to share the latest updates from the GEO Annual Conference. Amelie Desrochers (Deloitte) will focus on sharing the knowledge and key themes from the event, on share plan design, strategy and engagement, in addition to the latest technical updates.

 

SESSION TWO: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, AND WHY - DELIVERING TAX COMMUNICATIONS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY
Knowledge is power especially when it comes all things related to tax. So why not empower your participants with the tools and resources they need to help them understand the potential tax consequences of what they own. During this thought-provoking session we will cover the five Ws - who, what, when, where and why - of tax communications. It's not just about giving the information, but more importantly delivering it in a meaningful way. You'll hear from our experienced guest speaker that has done just that and as a result has a powerful story to share.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Learn how to empower yourself with the necessary tools and resources for informed decision-making.
  • Delivering tax information in a meaningful and impactful way.
  • Hear from an experienced guest speaker who has successfully navigated tax communication challenges

     

SESSION THREE: BURSTING THE MYTH OF MOVING TO AN OMNIBUS PLAN
This session will be conducted by industry experts who have experience in implementing and managing omnibus plans. During the session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with moving to an omnibus plan. The experts will present real-life examples, share best practices, and provide practical tips to help organizations make informed decisions about adopting an omnibus plan.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Common misconceptions surrounding the transition to an omnibus plan in an organization.
  • Advantages and challenges of adopting an omnibus plan, with insights from industry experts.
  • Best practices to help your organization make informed decisions when considering an omnibus plan.

     

COST:
There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. Both GEO members and non-members are welcome.

GO FURTHER WITH GEO

VIRTUAL 2023 ON DEMAND

GEO VIRTUAL 2023 - ON DEMAND

Access 20+ live, 30 'Best of Edinburgh sessions and an inspiring keynote on-demand.

Available until 15 September

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