ARTICLE
16 April 2024
THE STOCK OPTIONS’ ACHILLES HEEL
External News

Iuno

Legal and regulatory
Stock options
Denmark

In a recent ruling, Denmark’s Eastern High Court determined that stock options granted to an employee were governed by new rules in effect at the time the essential terms, like exercise price and vesting period, were finalized in early 2019. Under these new rules, only vested options could be exercised at termination, with unvested options lapsing, contrasting with the previous rules that allowed employees to retain all options. This case highlights the importance of timing in stock option agreements, as companies must finalize essential terms to determine which regulatory framework will apply to employee stock options.

4.1 Navigating Equity Awards in a World of Swift Political Change

Examine the impact of the current political climate in Western Europe on share plans and employee taxation with insights from our expert panel. The session will explore current trends, key tax, and legal challenges, and what to expect in the near future. Gain a broader understanding of emerging issues and how they might affect your share plans.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understand how the political climate in Western Europe could influence share plans and employee taxation
  • Identify key tax and legal challenges currently affecting and expected to impact share plans
  • Gain insights into emerging issues across the continent and how they may affect your strategies
Speaker/Author

Will Clifton, Baker McKenzie  
Veerle Lerut, Baker McKenzie  
Agnes Charpenet, Baker McKenzie  
Don-Tobias Jol, Baker McKenzie  
Amy Thompson, Baker McKenzie  

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Breakout series
Location
Affiliation Hub 1



Field of Study
Tax
Level
I

2.3 Global Hotspots: Lessons Learned from a Global Rollout

Navigating legal and tax compliance for new or existing plans can be daunting. Join our panel of experienced issuers and advisors as we spotlight three key compliance hotspots: securities laws, foreign exchange, and translations. Experts from Tapestry will guide you on prioritising compliance efforts this year and tackling challenges in hotspot countries. Hear from Sage and Rolls-Royce about their experiences with global expansion.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Learn where to focus your compliance efforts for the biggest impact
  • Discover strategies for managing securities laws, foreign exchange, and translations
  • Gain insights from Sage and Rolls-Royce on overcoming key issues in global expansion




     
Speaker/Author

Suzannah Crookes, Tapestry Compliance
Chris Fallon, Tapestry Compliance
Julie Shepherd, FGE, Sage Group plc
Hayley Stock, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
 

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 13:10 - 14:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
Partnership 3
Field of Study
Business Law
Level
O

2.1 Preparing for the EU's Pay Transparency Directive: 'A Roadmap for Share Plan Professionals'

Are you ready for the future of pay transparency? Prepare for the future of pay transparency with our session on the EU's upcoming 'Pay Transparency Directive.' Set to roll out by June 2026, this legislation will affect all member states. Discover what this means for share plan professionals and gain insights on navigating the challenges ahead.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understand the implications of the EU's 'Pay Transparency Directive' for share plan professionals
  • Identify key challenges and considerations for complying with the new legislation
  • Receive a roadmap to help plan and ensure compliance with the directive.
Speaker/Author

Liz Pierson, Deloitte
Kathryn Dooks, Deloitte
Rosemary Lemon, Hays

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 13:10 - 14:00
Breakout series
Location
Partnership 1
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
A
ARTICLE
27 June 2024
CANADA: CHANGES TO TAXATION OF STOCK OPTIONS AND CAPITAL GAINS – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
External News

Baker McKenzie

Legal and regulatory
Stock options
Canada

The proposed changes in Budget 2024 regarding stock options in Canada will come into effect on June 25, 2024. These changes reduce the stock option deduction and capital gains tax exemption from 1/2 to 1/3 of the taxable amount, if the individual's annual limit of CAD 250,000 is exceeded. Employers face uncertainty in managing tax withholding on stock option income, as they may not know if the employee has exceeded the limit or how exemptions are allocated. Additional legislative clarifications are expected by July 2024, prompting employers to currently consider withholding taxes based on the reduced exemption rate of 1/3.

ARTICLE
20 May 2024
WALL STREET WILL TRANSFORM NEXT WEEK: T+1 SETTLEMENT BEGINS
External News

 Damian Chmiel

Legal and regulatory
All plan types
USA

 

When U.S. stock markets reopen after Memorial Day, they will implement a significant change: reducing the settlement period for securities transactions from two days (T+2) to one day (T+1). This transition, effective May 28, 2024, aims to reduce counterparty risk and increase automation in post-trade processes but will require updates to systems and processes and may introduce new risks. Major financial institutions and stock exchanges are preparing for this change, with concerns about potential foreign exchange (FX) risks for international investors due to the compressed timeframe and time zone differences.

1.5 Untangling equity complexity: critical considerations for non-employee grants

Explore the intricate landscape of equity grants to non-employee service providers in our expert panel session. Uncover the unique challenges that global issuers encounter when extending equity grants to independent contractors, PEO/EOR-engaged individuals, and more. Dive into the multifaceted considerations encompassing corporate governance, local securities, foreign exchange, and tax laws worldwide. 
Hear firsthand about Marriott International, Inc.'s triumphs in managing its global equity compensation program, addressing the challenges encountered.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify securities law, foreign exchange, and tax risks in non-employee equity grants
  • Exploring best practices for compliance with local laws
  • Understanding Marriott International, Inc.'s strategies for managing non-employee equity compensation on a global scale

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

 

Speaker/Author

Chanani Sandler, Orrick
Jill Keblawi, Marriott International
 

 

Event date
Tuesday, 9 Apr 2024, 15:15 - 16:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 3

8.5 Potential pitfalls of cross-border stock awards

Dive deep into the intricate world of global compliance with our expert panel. Explore the potential compliance traps stock plan administrators must navigate, from unfavorable tax outcomes for both employees and employers to securities registration hurdles, currency exchange complexities, and disclosure requirements under local law. Uncover the latest legal developments reshaping stock plans, including insights into the new EU-US Data Privacy Framework and proposed EU cybersecurity regulations (DORA). 
Join them for a comprehensive discussion that unveils the intricacies of global compliance, ensuring you're equipped to steer your cross-border stock plans through the regulatory landscape.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Uncover identifying compliance traps in cross-border stock plans
  • Explore navigating tax, securities, and currency exchange challenges
  • Stay informed on recent legal developments

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Business Law
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Jennifer George, PwC
Mark Jones, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Vanessa Renna, Thermofisher Scientific

Event date
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 10:00 - 10:50
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 3
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

6.5 Essential equity plan numbers to have at your fingertips

Stock plan administrators often face the challenge of urgent requests from leadership, creating a sense of dread. This session, led by experts including a world-leading life sciences issuer and seasoned administration providers, aims to alleviate this by focusing on crucial figures. Applicable to both Private and Public companies the panel will decipher these figures, gaining insights into their derivation, interest groups, and relevance. The session also delves into the current market and tech labor force volatility, exploring their influence on these essential figures.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Defining and understanding the relevance of available shares
  • Exploring key metrics and their impact on equity plans
  • Unveiling insights into usage patterns and planning

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Accounting
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Elena Thomas, OptionTrax
Noone Janigian, Thermofisher Scientific
Ken Lockett, OptionTrax

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 3

6.1 A global roadtrip in just 50 minutes!

Embark on a global road trip with our expert panel as they pitch essential legal, tax, and regulatory changes worldwide, covering topics like the new Irish tax withholding changes impacting stock options and the lessons to learn from a recent legal case in Denmark concerning share plan leaver provisions.

The panel will explore market developments on complex issues like the South Korean foreign exchange requirements and will show you how (and why!) to stay informed of changes happening around the world!

With diverse experience from issuer and advisory backgrounds, this panel unveils the full compliance picture. Also hear first-hand how Lucid Motors navigates the ever-changing flux of global compliance requirements.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover essential global legal, tax, and regulatory changes
  • Analyze market developments on complex topics
  • Explore emerging trends impacting global share plan operation

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Matthew Hunter, Tapestry Compliance
Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors
Chris Hall, Global Tax Networks
 

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 4