2.5 Global Approaches to Financial Education and Engagement

Equity awards come with great responsibility—tax obligations, broker account management, and financial health considerations. This interactive session will explore how to design a comprehensive education program that empowers employees to fully understand and appreciate their stock compensation. Learn how a multi-layered approach can enhance engagement with equity awards and foster greater financial wellness across your workforce.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Strategies for developing a multi-layered education program on equity awards.
  • How to boost employee appreciation of stock compensation and its long-term benefits.
  • Best practices for promoting financial wellness alongside equity plan education.
Speaker/Author

Jim Alden, Charles Schwab (US)
Carolina Ellerker, Google (US)
Eileen Nguyen, Google (US)
Daniel Roberts, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)
Derek Stephanian, Vialto Partners (US)

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Topic
Financial wellbeing and education
Country
Global
Breakout series
BREAKOUT II
Location
Karlin 4
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

2.4 Global Pay Without Limits: A Focus on the UK, US, Germany, and France

In this session, the panel will explore the key restrictions impacting equity compensation today, from 'soft' restrictions such as shareholder approval ('say on pay') and progressive tax rates, to reputational risks, disclosure requirements, and litigation (including high-profile cases like the Elon Musk case).

This session will also address how these constraints influence equity plan structuring, and delve into the "hard" restrictions that companies face, especially in today’s evolving political environment.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the impact of shareholder approval, 'say on pay', and progressive tax rates on equity compensation decisions.
  • Explore the risks around disclosure, reputational challenges, and litigation, including implications from high-profile cases.
  • Debate the effects of the current political climate on both 'hard' and 'soft' restrictions in equity plan structuring.
Speaker/Author

Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case (UK)
Veronique Japp, Pandora (BE)
Francesca MacSwiney, White & Case (UK)
 

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Topic
Legal and regulatory
Country
Global
Breakout series
BREAKOUT II
Location
Palmovka 4
Field of Study
Business Law
Level
I
LIVE WEBCAST
1 April 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
DOING MORE WITH LESS: CUTTING THE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS IN HALF
webcast

SPEAKERS: Amit Gupta, Salus Financial | Robyn Shutak, FGE, Infinite Equity

Communications
All plan types
Global

Join us as we explore strategies and evidence-based approaches to cut the number of questions your team has to answer in half. Answering equity compensation questions from employees requires reading up on an individual's situation, understanding regional nuances, and taking on personal reputation risk when answering. But, that’s just one of the many drains on your time we will dive into. 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the moments in time that create the most confusion for employees
  • Learn actionable strategies to free up your team's time while also leveling up your participants' expertise
  • Set yourself up to access further time-saving opportunities in your day-to-day work even with a limited budget


WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST: 

ASIA-PAC - 10am AEDT | 12pm IDT | 2.30pm IST
EUROPE - 10am GMT | 11am CET | 6pm GMT
THE AMERICAS -  3/31 7pm ET | 4pm PT | 10am PT |1pm ET 
 

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

WATCH THE WEBCAST

2.2 Bohemian Trends In Global Equity Compensation

Since its establishment in 1993, the Czech Republic has seen significant changes in equity compensation. Our panelists, who began their careers around that time, will discuss the evolution of accounting, tax, and regulatory legislation, and their impact on common equity plan practices. We will also explore how employee expectations and corporate practices have evolved. The session will conclude with a look at current and future trends, including the effects of the global talent war, technological advancements, and corporate ownership on equity compensation.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understanding the global evolution of equity compensation and its regulatory impacts.
  • Exploring how employee expectations and corporate practices have shaped equity plans.
  • Considering the future of equity compensation in light of global talent trends and technological changes.
Speaker/Author

Leann Balbona, FGE, KPMG (US)
Shane Hughes, Walmart (US)
Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA (US)
Sandra Sussman, FGE, Axon Enterprisses  (US)
Marlene Zobayan, Rutlen Associates (US)

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Topic
Trending now
Country
Global
Breakout series
BREAKOUT II
Location
Palmovka 2
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

2.1 Successfully Sharing Success: A Guide to Effective Equity Plan Rollouts

Rolls-Royce has introduced share ownership to its global workforce across 30 countries for the first time, launching with a free share award to help employees become shareholders. This initiative was followed by a share purchase and matching plan, offering employees flexible participation options. The focus on clear communication and seamless enrolment has been key to the plan's success.

In this session, join representatives from Rolls-Royce, plan administrator EQ, legal advisors from Tapestry, and communications experts from Eximia as they discuss the design and implementation of this ground-breaking program. They’ll share insights on their objectives, strategies for overcoming challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover the approach to designing an inclusive global equity plan with multiple participation options to cater to diverse employee needs.
  • Learn how clear communication and easy enrolment were crucial for the success of the global share plan rollout.
  • Gain insights on what worked, what could be improved, and how to apply these lessons to future global equity initiatives.
Speaker/Author

Chrissie Davis, Eximia (UK)
Dominic Harrison, Equiniti (UK)
Lorna Parkin, Tapestry Compliance (UK)
Hayley Stock, Rolls-Royce (UK)
 

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Topic
Case Study
Country
Global
Breakout series
BREAKOUT II
Location
Palmovka 1
Field of Study
Personnel/HR
Level
O

1.4 Global Plans and Local Sub-plans: What is the Best Approach?

In a globalised business environment, offering equity plans that cater to diverse workforces across multiple jurisdictions presents unique challenges. While global share plans provide a consistent framework, many companies adopt local tax-approved sub-plans to align with regional tax incentives and regulations. This dual structure offers significant benefits but also introduces operational complexities.

This expert panel will delve into the intricacies of implementing global equity plans alongside local sub-plans, offering practical strategies and tools to help organisations strike the right balance between global consistency and local relevance. Attendees will gain actionable insights and tools, including frameworks for aligning objectives and managing complexities.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the benefits of local tax-approved sub-plans in enhancing participation, delivering tax efficiencies, and boosting engagement by tailoring benefits regionally.
  • Explore strategies for harmonising global equity plan objectives with local regulations, tax laws, and cultural considerations.
  • Learn practical approaches to managing the operational impacts of running global plans with local variants, including streamlined administration, effective communication, and accurate reporting.
Speaker/Author

Elliot Alexander, Computershare (UK)
Anna Jex, RELX (UK)
Hannah Needle, FGE, Tapestry Compliance (UK)
Vanda Kiss, Nokia (HU)

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 14:45 - 15:45
Topic
Design and strategy
Country
Global
Breakout series
BREAKOUT I
Location
Palmovka 4
Field of Study
Tax
Level
I

1.1 Achieving 88% Participation: The Success Story of ErsteGroup's ESPP Rollout

In 2022, ErsteGroup launched WeShare by ErsteGroup, an annual employee share plan with a five-year holding period that achieved an impressive 88% participation rate across seven countries. This session will explore the strategies behind the programme's success, including creative plan design, effective financial education, and approaches to addressing challenges during its multi-country rollout.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore how well-structured plan design, including an annual offering model and a five-year holding period, boosted participation rates.
  • Understand how targeted financial education campaigns improved employee knowledge, engagement, and confidence in the programme.
  • Gain insights into tackling cross-country implementation challenges and fine-tuning post-launch processes to enhance programme outcomes.
Speaker/Author

Christian Hyldig, Aon (ES)
Giovanna Stanciu, Erste Group (DE)
 

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 14:45 - 15:45
Topic
Design and strategy
Country
Global
Breakout series
BREAKOUT I
Location
Palmovka 1
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O
LIVE WEBCAST
10 April 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
GLOBAL EQUITY UPDATES Q1 2025
Webcast

SPEAKERS: Barbara Klementz, Baker McKenzie | Kela Shang, Baker McKenzie

Trending now
All plan types
Global

GEO is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest developments in equity compensation worldwide. Stay up-to-date with the fast-paced changes in the industry. In this session, we'll delve into new regulations, reporting obligations, and recent guidance issued in the industry during the past quarter.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the latest regulatory changes impacting equity compensation globally
  • Understand new reporting obligations and compliance requirements affecting your company's equity plans
  • Learn valuable industry guidance to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities in equity compensation


WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST:   

ASIA-PAC - 10am AEDT | 12pm IST
EUROPE - 10am GMT | 11am CET | 6pm GMT
THE AMERICAS - 4/9 8pm ET | 5pm PT | 10am PT | 1pm ET | 6pm GMT

 

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

WATCH THE WEBCAST
LIVE WEBCAST
18 March 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
AUTOMATION IN SHARE PLANS: A GLOBAL ISSUER ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
webcast

SPEAKERS: Dexter Tang (Moderator), Google | Jennie Anderson, Microsoft | Lamont Walker, Lyft | Annemarie Kalsbeek, S&P Global

Operational effectiveness
All plan types
Global

Automation is revolutionizing how organizations manage share plans, enabling streamlined workflows, improved accuracy, and enhanced participant experiences. But how do you determine where to begin, prioritize effectively, and navigate inevitable challenges along the way?

Join experts from Lyft, Microsoft, and S&P Global, moderated by Google, for an in-depth discussion on share plan automation. This session will explore how leading organizations evaluate existing processes, implement solutions, and involve key stakeholders to ensure success. Gain insights on overcoming hurdles like data migration and employee resistance while balancing efficiency with a personalized participant experience.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Craft a roadmap for automating share plan processes, including evaluation, prioritization, and collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Tackle common challenges such as data migration and participant resistance while maintaining a human-centered approach.
  • Learn practical strategies for achieving impactful automation on a limited budget and preparing for AI-driven advancements in share plan management.

WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST: 

  • ASIA-PAC - 10am AEDT | 12pm IST
  • EUROPE - 10am GMT | 11am CET |  | 5pm GMT
  • AMERICAS -  3/17 7pm ET | 4pm PT 10am PT | 1pm ET | 5pm GMT


COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

WATCH THE WEBCAST
LIVE WEBCAST
30 January 2025, 1 - 2pm EST
GLOBAL EQUITY INSIGHTS SURVEY 2024: REFLECTING ON THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE TRENDS
Webcast

GEIS Sponsor Panel 

Data and business intelligence
All plan types
Global

Join us for an engaging webcast as we explore the key takeaways from the Global Equity Insights Survey.  In this session, we’ll reflect on the standout findings from the 2024 survey, uncovering global trends in equity compensation and analyzing their impact on organizations worldwide.  Additionally, we’ll provide an exclusive glimpse into the compelling questions shaping the upcoming 2025 survey, offering a forward-looking perspective.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover key trends in global equity compensation from the 2024 survey, examining how the shifting landscape influences organizations around the globe.
  • Gain an insider’s look at the new 2025 survey questions, addressing emerging topics such as the role of HCM reporting and equal pay in equity compensation.
  • Participate in an interactive discussion with industry experts, sharing your perspectives on pivotal survey topics.


WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST:   

  • ASIA PAC - 10am AEDT | 1pm IST
  • EUROPE - 10am GMT | 11am CET | 6pm GMT
  • AMERICAS - 1/29 6pm ET | 3pm PT | 10am PT | 1pm ET 

 

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

REGISTER
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