GEO INSIGHTS

The 2023–24 CEO & Senior Executive Compensation Report for Private Companies reveals that CEO base salaries saw modest growth of 4.1% in 2023, with similar trends expected in 2024, while bonuses increased significantly, contributing to a nearly 10% rise in total cash compensation. Senior executives experienced smaller salary increases, averaging 3.5%, but benefited from a 30% rise in performance-based incentives in 2023, with median total compensation reaching $239,000 excluding presidents. Middle managers and front-line workers saw the largest salary increases of 4.2% in 2023, driven by talent competition, though 2024 pay raises across all levels are projected to remain modest, influenced by factors like company size, growth, and profitability.

AnalytixInsight announced the grant of 1.6 million restricted share units (RSUs) and 1.05 million stock options to strengthen its advisory team, including strategic appointments such as John Ballow, Valisha Graves, and Richard Greco. The company aims to enhance its CapitalCube product, expand enterprise sales, and explore new opportunities for its MarketWall fintech solutions, leveraging the advisors' expertise and networks. Additionally, AnalytixInsight plans to settle C$117,500 in accrued fees to directors and officers through the issuance of 11.75 million shares, subject to regulatory approval, as part of its broader strategic initiatives.

The Czech Republic will end the unlimited tax exemption for securities sales after 30 years, capping annual exempt income at CZK 40 million starting January 1, 2025. To address concerns about retroactivity, taxpayers can use the market price of securities as of December 31, 2024, for future sales, requiring accurate valuation, particularly for non-traded securities. While this marks a significant shift in the Czech tax regime, the burden of proof lies with taxpayers, and the changes bring new complexities, including potential disputes over compliance and interpretations.

A parliamentary proposal in the Czech Republic aims to amend the Income Tax Act, allowing employers to revert to pre-2024 taxation methods for employee share and stock option plans. This would simplify administration and resolve complexities caused by 2024 changes, such as postponed taxation timing, double taxation risks, and social security contribution delays. If adopted, the amendment, effective January 2025, would permit employers to choose tax deferral by notifying tax authorities, easing compliance for global share schemes and benefiting employers and employees alike.

A proposed amendment to the Czech Income Tax Act aims to allow employers to revert to the pre-2024 method of taxing employee share and stock option income, simplifying administration and addressing issues like double taxation. Employers can opt for tax deferral by notifying the tax authority by the 20th of the month following the employee's acquisition of shares or options; otherwise, income will be taxed immediately, as was the case before 2024. For 2024, retroactive tax deferral is possible if employers notify the tax authority within two months of the amendment's effective date, with no penalties for late tax payments.

Swiggy's IPO, valued at ₹11,300 crore, has unlocked ₹9,000 crore worth of employee stock options (ESOPs), creating significant wealth for around 5,000 employees, with nearly 500 becoming 'crorepatis.' Employees can sell their shares a month after listing, thanks to a regulatory exemption, while the IPO was oversubscribed 3.59 times, driven by institutional investors. With its ESOP program spanning three plans since 2015, Swiggy's founders and top management collectively hold ESOPs worth ₹2,600 crore, emphasizing the company's commitment to rewarding employee contributions.

 

Mphasis Limited announced the granting of 25,000 stock options under its ESOP 2016 and 12,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) under its RSU Plan 2021 to eligible employees, effective November 7, 2024, as approved by its ESOP Compensation Committee. The stock options have an exercise price of ₹2,900, with equal vesting over five years and a 60-month exercise period, while the RSUs, priced at ₹10, follow a progressive vesting schedule of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 30% over five years, catering to both Indian and US-based employees. These equity grants are administered through the Mphasis Employees Equity Reward Trust, ensuring compliance with SEBI regulations, and the announcement was officially submitted to the BSE and NSE by Senior Vice President and Company Secretary Subramanian Narayan

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) are increasingly popular in Southeast Asia and India, with 80% of startups now offering them, up from 60% in 2021, as founders recognize their value in attracting talent and managing cash flow. Despite this growth, many founders still lack a deep understanding of ESOPs, underlining the need for better structuring and education to maximize their effectiveness. Meanwhile, funding news includes Easy, an Indian fintech startup, raising $35 million for mortgage technology expansion, and Razer Gold receiving in-principle approval as a major payment institution in Singapore, among other significant industry updates.

The recent Budget introduces changes that will impact the cost and compliance of employee share plans, including an increase in employers' National Insurance Contributions (NIC) from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025, which could make tax-advantaged share plans more appealing. Additionally, increases in capital gains tax (CGT) rates and reductions in CGT exemptions may lead to higher tax obligations for employees, potentially affecting the attractiveness of these plans, while employers may need to enhance support and communication to help employees navigate these changes. For internationally mobile employees, the new tax regime replacing the remittance basis introduces limitations and complexities, requiring employers to reassess their compliance strategies and tax equalization policies.