This session will provide a timely deep dive into the latest developments shaping employee compensation and equity in France. Recent regulatory changes have significantly impacted the qualification and treatment of free share plans, creating new considerations for issuers operating in the French market.

These experts will also address the increasingly important topic of US citizens working in France, focusing on how to structure and administer equity plans in compliance with both French and U.S. regulatory requirements. In addition, attendees will explore effective benchmarking strategies and approaches to designing competitive management compensation packages that align with evolving market expectations and company goals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Gain clarity on the latest developments affecting free share plan qualification and how these changes impact plan design and administration.
• Learn best practices for treating U.S. Persons in France while maintaining compliance with cross-border tax, securities, and employment regulations.
• Explore benchmarking approaches and management package design strategies to remain competitive in the French market while aligning with broader business objectives.

Designing equity programs across multiple regions can be challenging, particularly when balancing U.S. and European practices. This session explores the similarities, differences, and nuances of equity plan design on both sides of the Atlantic. Participants will gain insights into how cultural, regulatory, and market factors shape plan structures, participant communications, and overall program effectiveness. 

Through practical examples and lessons learned from multinational companies, attendees will leave with strategies to harmonize their equity programs while addressing local requirements and maintaining global consistency.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Compare key design features, regulatory considerations, and cultural influences between U.S. and European equity plans.
• Learn strategies for harmonizing plan structures and participant experiences across regions while respecting local rules and expectations.
• Gain actionable tips for managing cross-border tax, compliance, and administrative complexities, ensuring smooth program execution worldwide.

As companies expand share plans globally, securing corporate tax deductions has become increasingly complex—and increasingly scrutinized. This session focuses on the critical intersection between equity compensation and corporate tax, equipping share plan professionals with the insights they need to effectively partner with internal tax teams to drive tax efficiency and avoid costly missteps.

The discussion will compare approaches across the US, UK, France, and Germany, highlighting where rules align and where they diverge. A dedicated segment will address the latest HMRC position on net-settled awards, including practical arguments and defense strategies when corporate tax deductions are challenged. Drawing on real-world experience, the session will provide actionable guidance for navigating this high-risk, high-impact area of global equity.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• How corporate tax deduction rules differ across key jurisdictions and why those differences matter.
• How to collaborate effectively with corporate tax teams to maximize tax efficiency in global share plans.
• How to navigate HMRC scrutiny of net-settled awards and prepare defensible corporate tax positions.

Discover the latest insights on employee ownership and equity compensation in this session led by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, the global leader in equity research. Drawing on the largest studies ever conducted in the U.S., this session explores how equity is distributed, who participates in these programs, and the impact of employee ownership on both organizational and employee outcomes.
 

Attendees will gain a data-driven perspective on trends in equity participation and the strategic value of employee ownership, along with practical implications for designing and enhancing equity programs.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Understand how equity is distributed across organizations and which employees are participating in equity programs.
• Explore the strategic, financial, and cultural effects of employee ownership on workforce engagement and company performance.
• Gain actionable takeaways for structuring and enhancing equity programs based on rigorous research findings.

Equity compensation programs don’t operate in a vacuum—cultural context plays a critical role in how employees perceive, value, and engage with equity awards. In this interactive panel, issuers from North America, EMEA, and Asia will share firsthand experiences designing and administering equity plans across diverse cultural landscapes. Panelists will explore how regional norms influence plan design choices, communication approaches, participation rates, and employee understanding. Attendees will leave with practical insights on how to tailor equity programs to resonate locally while maintaining a cohesive global strategy.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Understand how cultural norms across regions influence employee perception, participation, and overall engagement with equity compensation.
• Learn practical, region-specific approaches to communicating equity awards that improve clarity, adoption, and employee trust.
• Gain actionable best practices for designing equity plans that align with global objectives while accommodating local cultural expectations.

As global equity programs continue to evolve amid regulatory change, workforce mobility, and rapid advances in technology, staying ahead of what’s coming next has never been more critical. This forward-looking session provides a global snapshot of where equity compensation stands in 2026—and what companies should be preparing for now.
 

These global industry experts from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, and the US, will explore key regulatory developments across major regions, shifting talent mobility and retention dynamics, and the growing influence of technology and AI on equity administration. Designed to help global equity leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence, this session will combine strategic insights with practical considerations to support informed decision-making in an increasingly complex environment.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Identify key regulatory trends and emerging risks across major global markets and how they may impact equity plan design and administration.
• Explore how changing workforce patterns—including cross-border mobility and remote work—are reshaping global equity strategies.
• Learn how technology and AI are transforming equity operations, from compliance and reporting to data management and decision support.
   

From China to Chile, the U.S. to the UK—and everywhere in between—this session takes a practical look at the legal, regulatory, and tax updates shaping global equity incentive plans. 
Designed for professionals balancing compliance, cost, and complexity, this session cuts through the noise with candid discussion, practical guidance, and hard-earned lessons on managing global incentive plans without losing your sanity—or your budget. Whether you’re a seasoned global equity leader or just expanding internationally, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Understand the latest regulatory and tax developments impacting equity compensation across key global markets.
• Learn strategies to control compliance costs while minimizing legal, tax, and operational risk.
• Gain real-world tips from issuers and advisors on keeping plans compliant, scalable, and efficient across multiple jurisdictions.