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ARTICLE
14 May 2025
THE EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP FAIRNESS ACT OF 2025: A GAME-CHANGER FOR ESOP COMPANIES AND THEIR PEOPLE
External News

Menke

Legal and regulatory
All plan types
USA

The Employee Ownership Fairness Act of 2025, introduced in Congress, aims to ease tax limitations that have hindered ESOP-owned companies from fully funding both ESOPs and 401(k) plans. The bill proposes that stock contributions and ESOP loan repayments no longer count toward annual contribution and allocation limits, allowing employees to maximize benefits in both retirement plans. This change would benefit companies, selling shareholders, and employees alike by removing outdated tax barriers and supporting broader employee ownership and retirement savings.

ARTICLE
14 April 2025
NAVIGATING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION IN A VOLATILE ECONOMY: 2025 TRENDS FOR MIDDLE-MARKET COMPANIES
External News

Nelson Mullins

Executive pay
Executive plans
USA

Amid economic uncertainty in 2025, middle-market companies are reevaluating executive compensation strategies to prioritize cash preservation, long-term value creation, and adaptability, shifting away from all-cash bonuses toward deferred compensation and equity-based incentives. Key trends include revising performance metrics, implementing multi-year retention plans, enhancing downside protection, and aligning incentive plans with resilience-focused goals such as margin protection and supply chain agility. Legal considerations emphasize compliance with tax codes, clear documentation, governance improvements, and transparent communication to manage retention risk and support business continuity.

ARTICLE
17 April 2025
BETTER THAN 401(K)?: THERE’S A MOVE TO GET WORKERS REAL LONG-TERM OWNERSHIP IN AMERICA’S COMPANIES
External News

CNBC

General
All plan types
USA

Employee engagement is at a decade low, with workers feeling increasingly disconnected and uncertain about their companies' futures, prompting experts like KKR's Pete Stavros to champion employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) as a solution. Stavros argues that ESOPs, when well-implemented, significantly improve culture, engagement, and retention by giving employees a financial stake in their companies, with notable successes like CHI Overhead Doors showcasing life-changing payouts for non-executive workers. However, broader adoption faces barriers such as regulatory complexity and limited accessibility, leading advocates to push for policy reforms while emphasizing that trust, transparency, and genuine cultural shifts are essential for ESOPs to succeed.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
21 May 2025, 3 - 5pm CEST
NETHERLANDS CHAPTER MEETING
NETHERLANDS MEETING
Netherlands
USA

Equity and Privately Held Companies - It's a Matter of Value


As the event’s main sponsor, Baker McKenzie will kick off the meeting by introducing the core concepts and key valuation methods for equity-based compensation items that their specialists see being used in the market.

Following this introduction, we will have a panel of esteemed industry specialists who have personal experience in valuing non-listed companies, be it from the perspective of international private equity firms, start- or scale-up companies or family-owned businesses. They will bring a wealth of expertise in this matter to the table, and are eager to answer any questions you might have on this topic.

Thank you to our sponsor:

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LOCATION:
Baker McKenzie Amsterdam
Claude Debussylaan 54 
1082 MD 
Amsterdam, Netherlands
 

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  Both GEO Member and Non-Members are welcome.  But registration is required.  

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
21 May 2025, 12 - 2pm PDT
NORCAL CHAPTER MEETING
norcal chapter

Menlo Park, CA

USA

Hands On: Advancing Equity Through AI Tech Solutions

Join us for an engaging and interactive session exploring the transformative potential of AI technology in advancing equity plan administration. This hands-on workshop will dive into practical applications and innovative solutions that leverage AI to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy.
Participants will gain insights into cutting-edge AI tools and methodologies designed to make day-to-day equity administration more efficient. Through real-world case studies and collaborative activities, you’ll discover how to implement AI-driven strategies that ease the burden of complex tasks and improve overall effectiveness.

If you work in equity administration, this session will provide valuable knowledge, tools, and actionable steps to harness AI for a smarter, more streamlined future.

Key Learning Points:
 

  • Discover practical ways AI can streamline equity plan administration and reduce manual workload.
  • Explore real-world examples of how AI is being used to drive efficiency and improve accuracy.
  • Learn how to evaluate and implement AI tools that align with your organization’s equity goals.

Both GEO members and non-members are welcome.  Registration is required.

Lunch will be provided

LOCATION:
Morgan Stanley 
Menlo Park Office
4500 Bohannon Dr
Menlo Park, CA  94025

We hope to see you there!

The GEO NorCal Chapter Team

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
17 June 2025, 11:30am - 2:30pm EDT
NEW YORK CHAPTER MEETING
new york chapter meeting

New York, NY

All plan types
USA

In today’s dynamic global landscape, equity compensation is evolving at the intersection of technology, policy, and practice. These two forward-looking sessions examine the forces reshaping our field—from the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence to groundbreaking global research on employee share ownership. Whether you're exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can complement human expertise, or uncovering international trends from GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project, these sessions will equip you with fresh insights to navigate the future of equity compensation with confidence and clarity.

SESSION ONE: 
AI vs. Human Expertise:  Exploring ChatGPT’s Role in Equity Compensation

In a rapidly changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is making its mark across countless industries—including equity compensation. This session explores the evolving role of tools like ChatGPT and examines whether AI can truly replicate or complement human expertise in this nuanced field. Join us for an engaging discussion on the promises, pitfalls, and practical applications of AI in equity compensation strategy, compliance, and communication.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the current capabilities and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT in the context of equity compensation.
  • Identify areas within equity compensation where AI may enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making—and where human judgment remains essential.
  • Evaluate ethical, legal, and practical considerations when integrating AI into equity compensation processes.

     

SESSION TWO:
Global Share Plans Ranking Study:  Insights, Opportunities, and the Future of Employee Ownership

GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project breaks new ground as the first initiative to provide a country-by-country snapshot of employee share ownership across the globe. This session highlights key findings from the expanded report, offering insights into which countries are embracing employee equity—and which markets may present emerging opportunities. Discover where support for employee ownership is thriving and explore the global trends shaping the future of equity compensation.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

  • Understand the methodology and scope of GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project and its significance to the equity compensation community.
  • Identify top-performing countries in terms of employee share ownership support and participation.
  • Recognize emerging markets with growth potential and explore strategies for expanding employee equity initiatives globally.

     

LOCATION
UBS
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY, 10019

*Please indicate any dietary requirements in your registration as lunch will be provided. 

Members and non-members are welcome to join this chapter meeting.  Registration is required.