GEO INSIGHTS

ACCESS THE LATEST GLOBAL EQUITY COMPENSATION INSIGHTS

Read industry news, explore technical updates, access ideas on global employee compensation innovation, and find ways to connect.

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION

ARTICLE

30 April 2026

EMPLOYEE REWARDS AND SHARE SCHEMES: A 2026/27 GUIDE FOR UK EMPLOYERS

The Tax Lead

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

UK and Channel Islands

UK employee share schemes are a key tool for attracting and retaining talent, especially in scale-ups, with four main HMRC tax-advantaged options: EMI, CSOP, SAYE, and SIP. From April 2026, EMI is significantly expanded, increasing company size limits, asset thresholds, employee caps, and option lifetimes, making it accessible to many more businesses and still offering the most generous tax treatment (capital gains rather than income tax). Each scheme serves different needs—from EMI for scale-ups, CSOP for larger or ineligible firms, SAYE and SIP for all-employee participation—while non-tax-advantaged options like growth shares are used when HMRC schemes don’t fit but require more careful tax structuring.

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29 April 2026

ESOP 10 IN 10: APAC & MIDDLE EAST GUIDE

Bird&Bird

Legal and regulatory

Stock options

Employee equity incentives such as ESOPs, stock options, and RSUs are widely used across Asia Pacific and the Middle East to align employees with company performance and support long-term retention. However, implementing these plans is complex due to fragmented legal and tax frameworks that vary significantly by jurisdiction, including multi-layered regulations in China, India, and the UAE. The guide highlights key legal and tax issues employers must navigate—such as governance, taxation, valuation, and leaver treatment—when designing and managing cross-border equity incentive plans.

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

13 August 2026, 4 - 6:30pm MDT

GREATER ROCKIES CHAPTER MEETING - TAYLORSVILLE

Taylorsville, UT

Trending now

All plan types

USA

Greater Rockies Chapter Equity Compensation Event and BBQ Social

We’re excited to invite you to a unique Greater Rockies Chapter gathering—an engaging and insightful session followed by a relaxed BBQ social. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and enjoy a more informal networking experience.

SPEAKERS: Lenka Haase, Fidelity; | Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies| Amberly Fullmer, Reddit | Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley | Adam McDonald, Insightsoftware

Join us for a thought-provoking session designed to equip you with the latest insights and strategies in the ever-evolving world of equity compensation. We’ll explore key trends, best practices, and proven approaches to help you optimise your programmes and elevate your impact as an equity leader.

Expect practical, actionable takeaways that you can immediately apply to navigate challenges and drive meaningful results in your role.

A special thank you to Andrew Barrus and the Greater Rockies Chapter team for graciously hosting this event at Andrew’s home—creating a welcoming and collaborative environment for learning and connection.

Following the session, stay and unwind at our BBQ social. Food and drinks will be provided, and while you’re welcome to bring something to share, there’s absolutely no obligation—just come along, relax, and enjoy the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LOCATION
Andrew's House
1140 W Turnberry Way
Taylorsville, UT 84123

1140 W 4720 S, Taylorsville, UT

REGISTRATION AND COST
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required.
View the event attendee terms and conditions.

Register

ARTICLE

23 April 2026

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AROUND THE WORLD: SLOVENIA INTRODUCES NEW EO MODEL

Postlethwiate

Legal and regulatory

All plan types

Slovenia has introduced a new legal employee ownership model (effective 2026) that lets employees collectively buy and hold company shares through a cooperative structure, mainly to support business succession and employee ownership. The model is designed to keep upfront employee costs low by using financing options like loans or seller support, while offering tax incentives to encourage adoption. It aims to preserve businesses and increase employee participation, with a more direct and democratic structure than many existing employee ownership systems.

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IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

22 April 2026, 7 - 11:59pm CDT

25TH GEO AWARDS

AUSTIN, TX

All plan types

Global

ATTEND THE 25TH GEO AWARDS GALA

Join the global share plan community in Austin, Texas on 22 April 2026 as we celebrate the 25th GEO Awards.

This milestone event will take place in the Lone Star Ballroom of the JW Marriott Austin, where we will honor the most innovative and impactful share plan and executive compensation strategies from around the world.

The celebration continues with an exclusive after party at The Edge rooftop, offering spectacular views and the perfect setting to connect with peers and friends across the GEO community.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

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IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

21 April 2026, 7am - 23 April 2026, 5pm CDT

GEO'S 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AUSTIN, TX

All plan types

Global

JOIN THE GLOBAL SHARE PLAN COMMUNITY AT GEO'S 27TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

On 21 - 23 April 2026 more than 350+ global share plan and executive compensation professionals, company directors, senior managers, stock plan, HR, reward and benefits professionals will fill the halls at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas.

Our flagship conference is where the best equity minds meet. It brings together academics, thought leaders, stock plan experts and policy makers from across the globe to explore best practice in equity compensation and work together to drive a vision for future employee share ownership.

Unlock a world of possibilities – igniting inspiration regardless of your experience!

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

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ARTICLE

16 April 2026

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES INTRODUCTION OF EU EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLANS

Arthur Cox

Legal and regulatory

All plan types

European Union

On 18 March 2026, the European Commission proposed “EU Inc.”, a new optional EU-wide corporate structure designed to simplify cross-border operations, boost competitiveness, and support startup growth through a harmonised set of corporate rules. A key feature is the introduction of EU employee stock option plans (EU-ESOs), which would allow companies to grant portable stock options across EU member states and defer taxation until the shares are sold, helping employees avoid “dry tax” on unrealised gains. The proposal would significantly change the treatment of share options in countries like Ireland by aligning EU-ESOs more closely with Ireland’s Key Employee Engagement Programme, and it is now under review by the European Parliament and Council with a target agreement date by the end of 2026.

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

27 May 2026, 9:30am - 12pm CEST

SPAIN CHAPTER MEETING

Barcelona, Spain

Spain

Join GEO in Barcelona: GEO Chapter Meeting on Spanish Equity Plans and AI

We’re delighted to invite you to an upcoming GEO Chapter meeting in Barcelona—bringing together industry experts and peers to explore what’s working (and what isn’t) in Spanish equity plans, and how aligning incentives can support long-term success.

SPEAKERS: Gilad Barnoy, Deel | Pol Cots, Cuatrecasas | Augustin Serban, The Magnum Ice Cream Company | Joao Teque, Galderma | Sergio Perez, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions

SESSION ONE – Navigating Payroll Challenges in Equity Compensation: A Practical Review for Spain
Take part in a practical deep dive into the most common payroll challenges faced when managing equity incentives in Spain. Featuring insights from experts at Deel and Cuatrecasas, this session will explore real-world scenarios, highlight compliance pitfalls, and share actionable best practices to help you manage equity payroll with confidence.

SESSION TWO – Unregulated Intelligence: AI’s Growing Impact on Equity Incentives and Data Protection
As AI continues to reshape equity compensation, new opportunities—and risks—are emerging. Hear from industry leaders as they examine the implications of limited regulation, evolving data protection concerns, and what organisations should be doing now to stay ahead in this rapidly changing space.

Stay with us after the sessions for our interactive “AI in an Equity World” quiz game, hosted by quizmaster Christian Hyldig—a fun and engaging way to wrap up the day while testing your knowledge alongside peers.

We look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona!

LOCATION
Av. Diagonal
191
Sant Martí
08018 Barcelona

REGISTRATION AND COST

Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.