ARTICLE
13 March 2024
Positive results' | Airbnb extends pay transparency policy to total compensation including equity
External News

Airbnb

Employee engagement
All plan types
Global

Airbnb has expanded compensation transparency by providing all employees globally with access to their base pay ranges, bonus targets, and annual performance equity award targets. This move, along with previously sharing base pay hiring ranges on job postings in the U.S., aims to enhance consistency in compensation and build a culture of trust and accountability. Additionally, Airbnb has conducted annual pay equity analyses since 2015, finding no significant unexplained gaps in pay, as part of their commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

ARTICLE
29 January 2024
The complete guide to equity compensation for startups
External News

Ravio

Private and pre-IPO companies
All plan types
Global

Startups often use equity compensation to attract and retain talent by offering employees a stake in the company, but the structure of this compensation can vary widely. Key decisions include how much equity to reserve for employees, which roles should be eligible, and whether to use stock options or RSUs, with considerations for vesting periods and exercise windows. While equity compensation can motivate and align employees with company success, it also risks dilution of founder control and can be complex to manage, especially across different jurisdictions and stages of company growth.

ARTICLE
1 July 2024
Good news for employees! Stock options from foreign firms won't attract GST
External News

Business Standard

Finance, tax and accounting
Stock options
Global

The Indian government has clarified that Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are exempt from GST, as they are part of employee compensation rather than a taxable service. The Circular confirms that Indian subsidiaries' reimbursement to foreign companies for stock options is not subject to GST, as it is not considered a purchase of goods or services. However, if there are additional administrative fees charged by the foreign company, these fees would be taxable, and GST would apply.

5.3 Empowering Equity Career Development

Hear from respected industry leaders as they share their experiences and insights into working in the equity compensation field. This session will cover their personal motivations, the highs and lows of their careers, and what the next generation can expect in this evolving industry. Gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions between issuers and providers, and learn valuable lessons from their professional journeys.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Discover why leading professionals chose to work in the equity compensation field and their career highlights
  • Understand the challenges and rewards of the industry from experienced voices
  • Learn about the evolving expectations for the next generation and the issuer-provider dynamic
Speaker/Author

Helen Hopkins, MUFG
Nicola Moodie, MUFG
Gemma Owens, MUFG
Jean Piercey, Legal & General plc

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 16:25 - 17:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Partnership 1








Field of Study
Personal Development
Level
B

5.2 Energy Management -Self-Awareness to Prevent Career Burnout

In this mini-workshop, explore how to manage your energy effectively to enhance both your professional and personal life. With stock administrators facing increasing workloads and blurred work-life boundaries, learn strategies to identify energising versus depleting activities. 

Drawing on research from organisational behavior and positive psychology, and insights from Elena’s experience with McKinsey & Company’s Women in Leadership program, you’ll create an energy action plan tailored to boost your personal energy resources and improve overall well-being.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Discover how to identify and leverage energising activities both at work and home
  • Learn strategies for managing energy levels to handle professional and personal challenges effectively
  • Develop a personalised energy action plan to enhance your productivity and well-being
Speaker/Author

Elena Thomas, Empower Stock Plan Services

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 16:25 - 17:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Affiliation Hub 2







Field of Study
Personal Development
Level
O

5.1 Successful Share Plan Communication Strategies for IPO Transitions and Beyond

Explore how to effectively communicate share plans during an IPO in this insightful fireside chat. As companies grow, equity becomes a key part of compensation, yet many face challenges in ensuring employees understand their equity, especially in Europe. With the London IPO market showing signs of recovery, it’s crucial for late-stage companies to prepare for how employees will respond to equity in their new public phase. 

Join Ledgy and Melanie Oakley, an experienced senior people leader, as they share strategies for engaging employees, executives, and investors through clear, thoughtful communication plans. Learn how to use share plans to educate and involve all key stakeholders during this pivotal transition.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understand the challenges and strategies for communicating share plans effectively during an IPO
  • Learn how to engage employees, executives, and investors with clear and thoughtful communication
  • Discover ways to use share plans to educate and involve stakeholders through the IPO transition and beyond
Speaker/Author

Peter Ahern, Ledgy
Melanie Oakley, Oakley HR

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 16:25 - 17:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Affiliation Hub 1






Field of Study
Communication and Marketing
Level
A

4.3 Unlocking Global Employee Engagement: Experian's Successful Freeshare Award Strategy

Explore Experian's groundbreaking global freeshare award initiative, which introduced share grants in countries where employees had never received them before. This session will reveal the unique challenges faced, including effective communication of plan details, ensuring employee understanding, and maximising participation rates. Discover how Experian incentivised long-term commitment with a bonus award for employees who retained their shares for three years. 

Attendees will gain insights into why employees favored shares over cash and how this aligns with Experian’s broader goals. Learn from Experian’s experience to enhance your own strategies for clear communication and driving employee engagement.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Discover the challenges and solutions for rolling out a global freeshare award initiative
  • Learn how strategic incentives like bonus shares can boost employee retention and alignment with company goals
  • Understand the importance of effective communication in maximising participation and employee engagement
Speaker/Author

Colin Buchanan, Computershare
Richard Solk, Experian
Jen Owen, Experian
 

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Partnership 1




Field of Study
Communication and Marketing
Level
O

4.2 Phantom Awards: Why Cashing Out is not as Scary as it Sounds!

Discover why cash-settling or using phantom awards can be a practical solution for global equity plans in this session. Our expert panel will demystify the process, covering when it’s appropriate to cash settle—such as in cases of complex administration or legal issues in regions like China, the Philippines, or Vietnam. Learn about different cash-settled structures, including how they compare to pure phantom awards, and gain insights into documentation, administration, and common pitfalls. Understand the risks involved, such as Canadian Salary Deferral Rules and securities laws impacting derivatives.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Learn when and why to use cash-settlement or phantom awards for global equity plans
  • Explore different cash-settled structures and how to effectively document and administer them
  • Identify potential risks and pitfalls, including regional legal issues and securities laws
Speaker/Author

Matthew Hunter, Tapestry Compliance
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors

 

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Country
Breakout series
Location
Affiliation Hub 2




Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

4.1 Navigating Equity Awards in a World of Swift Political Change

Examine the impact of the current political climate in Western Europe on share plans and employee taxation with insights from our expert panel. The session will explore current trends, key tax, and legal challenges, and what to expect in the near future. Gain a broader understanding of emerging issues and how they might affect your share plans.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understand how the political climate in Western Europe could influence share plans and employee taxation
  • Identify key tax and legal challenges currently affecting and expected to impact share plans
  • Gain insights into emerging issues across the continent and how they may affect your strategies
Speaker/Author

Will Clifton, Baker McKenzie  
Veerle Lerut, Baker McKenzie  
Agnes Charpenet, Baker McKenzie  
Don-Tobias Jol, Baker McKenzie  
Amy Thompson, Baker McKenzie  

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Breakout series
Location
Affiliation Hub 1



Field of Study
Tax
Level
I

3.5 Beyond Animation: Emerging Digital Employee Engagement Trends

Explore how creativity and technology can transform employee communications in this inspirational session. Delve into the use of innovative digital tools—beyond traditional animation and interactive brochures—to enhance employee engagement. The panel will address practical questions such as the effectiveness of these tools, overcoming resource constraints, and actionable steps to immediately improve your digital experience. Feel inspired, energised and dazzled by the possibilities.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Discover how advanced digital tools can significantly enhance employee engagement beyond traditional methods
  • Learn practical strategies from experts for implementing innovative communication techniques, even with limited resources
  • Get inspired with actionable steps to evolve your digital experience for better results
Speaker/Author

Amy Brimble, Deloitte
Adam Bryan, Deloitte
Sarah Billington, IAG

Event date
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 14:10 - 15:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
Affiliation Hub 2


Field of Study
Communication and Marketing
Level
O