ARTICLE
28 August 2023
STARTUP SHARES - THESE COUNTRIES WILL TAX YOU THE LEAST
External News

Sifted

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types
Global

Offering equity to employees is a key strategy for startups to attract talent over larger firms, seen in Europe where successful companies like Klarna and Deliveroo have spurred new ventures. However, European taxation on employee stock options varies significantly by country, with Estonia, Lithuania, and the UK cited as the most favorable due to lower tax burdens and simpler regulations compared to countries like France and Germany, which have more stringent tax policies and regulations. These differences impact how much employees can potentially gain from their stock options, influencing company decisions on offering ESOPs versus other equity schemes like VSOPs in heavily regulated markets.

9.1 Global corporate tax deductibility - all change?

A comprehensive exploration of significant shifts in the UK's HMRC guidance, potentially reshaping the corporate landscape with profound implications for companies. Our expert panel will delve into the repercussions of the recent changes in the UK, examining their impact in conjunction with prevailing practices and global developments. Gain invaluable insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and how companies worldwide are navigating these changes to stay ahead in the dynamic business environment.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the specifics and implications of the recent shifts in HMRC guidance in the UK
  • Explore how the UK changes align with or differ from current global practices in the corporate domain
  • Gain insights into how companies are adapting globally to regulatory developments, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the evolving corporate landscape

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Tax
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

Alex Murdoch, EY
Gordon Roesch, EY
Jason French, EY
Bernd Schmelzer, DHL
Dominik Gies, DHL

Event date
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 11:00 - 11:50
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 4


5.4 Navigating the impacts and risks of flexible working models

Amidst the transformative landscape of work, where flexibility is the new currency, join our expert panel to navigate the intricate intersections of emerging hybrid and remote working models with equity-based compensation. As these models redefine the post-pandemic workforce, it's crucial to grasp their impact while mitigating potential tax compliance risks and red flags. Delve into a general overview and comparison of evolving working models, including GEOs, PEOs, and remote/hybrid arrangements. Take a deeper dive into Global Employment Organizations (GEOs) and People Employment Organizations (PEOs)/Employer of Record (EOR). Uncover equity-related risks associated with each model and gain practical insights into implementing remote work policies, achieving a delicate balance between risk, employee experience, and administrative efficiency.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the general overview and comparison of evolving working models, such as GEOs, PEOs, and remote/hybrid arrangements
  • Take a deeper dive into the concepts of Global Employment Organizations (GEOs) and People Employment Organizations (PEOs)/Employer of Record (EOR)
  • Uncover red flags and risks associated with each employment model, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of potential challenges in equity-based compensation

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Tax
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

Oksana Lapii, EY
Sam George, Lyft
Randy Murphy, Instacart
Liana Kolodenker, Globalization Partners

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 14:00 - 15:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 2

9.2 Mastering tax challenges and best practices of equity income in Israel

Explore the distinctive landscape of equity income in Israel with our expert panel, shedding light on the nuances of qualified plans that many employers institute for their workforce. Delve into the key questions that often arise, addressing the complexities faced by employees and those transitioning into or out of Israel:
Join our expert panel to unravel the intricacies of equity compensation in Israel and equip yourself with practical knowledge for effective employee engagement and compliance.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into effective strategies for handling employees with equity awards within the unique framework of Israel's approach to equity income
  • Explore challenges and solutions when employees move to or from Israel, understanding the implications for equity compensation
  • Discover best practices for efficiently managing this population, ensuring compliance, and optimizing the administration of equity plans within the Israeli context

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Tax
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

Tara Hagen, FGE, Global Tax Network
Aimee Soodan, Baker McKenzie
Suzie Bentley, NVIDIA
Odelia Pollak, ESOP-PHOENIX

Event date
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 11:00 - 11:50
Country
Breakout series
Location
Midtown 1

7.2 A deep dive into share-based compensation accounting

Join a panel of accounting experts as they demystify ASC 718, offering a comprehensive overview of share-based compensation accounting impacts. Whether you're new to the field or seeking a deeper understanding, this session covers the fundamentals, including valuations, compensation expense, disclosures, deferred tax assets, and dilutive earnings per share. Joining the discussion will empower you to confidently round up the right team members for effective solutions in stock plan management. This insightful session ensures that, armed with a thorough grasp of ASC 718, your future discussions with financial reporting teams will be not only more productive but also informed by a nuanced understanding of share-based compensation accounting.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the key aspects of ASC 718, covering valuations, compensation expense, disclosures, deferred tax assets, and dilutive earnings per share
  • Understand how to navigate the complexities of share-based compensation accounting impacts, empowering you to assemble effective stock plan management teams
  • Learn how a comprehensive understanding of ASC 718 improves the productivity and effectiveness of discussions with financial reporting teams

 

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

Raenelle James, Equity Methods 
Tommy Swindle, FGE, UBS
Garry Devine, Amgen 

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 16:25 - 17:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Midtown 1

4.4 Equity plan data considerations and action plans for mergers and acquisitions

An expert panel, seasoned in navigating corporate transitions, will explore critical considerations of equity plans amid mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs, such as the post-transaction treatment of outstanding awards, ensuring equity and managing excise tax exposure. Join them in unraveling key accounting and data intricacies, and discover actionable insights to sidestep administrative nightmares.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the seasoned experts as they share invaluable strategies for navigating the complex landscape of equity plans in corporate transformations.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigate the post-transaction treatment of outstanding equity awards
  • Ensure fairness in equity distribution during corporate restructuring
  • Manage and mitigate excise tax exposure effectively

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

Michael Mauro, insightsoftware
Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity
Sara Anderson, Thermofisher Scientific

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 2

4.3 Don't live on a prayer…or paycheck to paycheck because of your ESPP!

Engage with our expert panel in a comprehensive session covering essential aspects of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP). Explore intricacies such as tax withholding for international employees, including methods like "Sell to Cover" and withholding through paychecks. Delve into determining the correct withholding rate for international participants, navigating beyond the maximum tax rate, and effectively communicating these nuances without providing tax advice. Uncover strategies to overcome language barriers and address global assumptions when promoting your ESPP.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Tax withholding methods for international employees and paycheck withholding
  • Determining the correct withholding rate for international participants
  • Strategies for overcoming language barriers and promoting ESPP globally

 

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

Sean Ross, Charles Schwab
Megan Hunt, Samsara
Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
 

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 1

3.4 Mastering equity financial reporting dynamics

Join our expert panel of financial reporting specialists as they dissect the nuanced landscape of equity compensation plan accounting. While the basics are rules-driven, complexities arise when managing global plans with dual reporting, diverse awards with cash and equity settlement options, varied performance conditions, participant movements impacting cost centers, and navigating tight reporting deadlines amidst multiple stakeholders. In this workshop, delve into the functional and practical processes employed by financial reporting specialists throughout the year. Uncover the top challenges in stock plan accounting and gain actionable insights into navigating these complexities effectively.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore strategies for dual reporting in global equity plans
  • Understand practical approaches for handling multiple awards with cash and equity settlement options, each with unique performance conditions
  • Learn practical ways to streamline reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and meeting tight deadlines in the midst of multi-stakeholder dynamics

 

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

Chris Dohrmann, FGE,  J.P. Morgan 
Mayura Arankalle, J.P. Morgan 
Susan Keiser, J.P. Morgan Corporate Finance

Event date
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 10:45 - 11:45
Plan type
Country
Breakout series
Location
Germantown 2
NEWS
2 August 2023
SEC APPROVES NYSE AND NASDAQ CLAWBACK LISTING STANDARDS - ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CANADIAN FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUERS
article

Michael H. Taylor , Cory Kent and Ravipal Bains

Finance, tax and accounting
Executive plans
Canada
USA

The article discusses the approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of clawback listing standards for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. These standards, aligned with the SEC Clawback Rules, mandate that listed companies develop and implement clawback policies for recovering incentive-based compensation from executive officers in the event of an accounting restatement. The article provides an overview of the key elements of the SEC Clawback Rules, including their application to all issuers, the triggers for recovery, the types of compensation covered, and disclosure requirements. The article also offers guidance for Canadian companies subject to these rules, highlighting potential implications and considerations for compliance with the new standards. The deadline for companies listed on NYSE and NASDAQ to adopt compliant clawback policies is outlined, along with the consequences of non-compliance, and the need for Canadian companies to adjust their compensation plans and policies accordingly. Additionally, the article touches on the perspectives of proxy advisory firms Glass Lewis and ISS, and the evolving market practice regarding clawbacks in Canada.

READ THIS ARTICLE

NEWS
11 August 2023
SINGAPORE COMPANIES BOOST GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY, FINDS STUDY
article

Tim Human

Finance, tax and accounting
Executive plans
Performance shares
Singapore

The article discusses the results of the Singapore Governance and Transparency Index (SGTI) for 2023, which evaluates listed companies' disclosures and governance practices in Singapore. The average score for companies has improved from 70.6 to 74.8 compared to the previous year, indicating enhanced transparency and governance. The SGTI assesses companies in five areas: board responsibilities, shareholder rights, stakeholder engagement, accountability & audit, and disclosure & transparency. The highest average score is in the shareholder rights category, with an 87 percent average, showing a 4 percentage point increase. The lowest average score is for board responsibilities at 64 percent, although this is up from 60 percent in the previous year. Disclosure & transparency has also increased from 63 percent to 67 percent. Notably, there has been a significant rise in disclosure rates for indicators related to board practices and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. The SGTI's findings suggest that companies are disclosing more information about areas like board independence, competence, and selection of directors. ESG disclosure has also improved, with several indicators showing 8 to 10 percentage points of yearly improvement. The article mentions upcoming changes to further enhance the SGTI's scores. Singapore will implement new regulations regarding board independence and executive remuneration. SGX RegCo will enforce limitations on the tenure of independent directors and require companies to provide detailed breakdowns of CEO and certain director pay packages.

READ THIS ARTICLE