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ARTICLE
6 February 2026
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EU PAY TRANSPARENCY DIRECTIVE – INCLUDING THE SWISS PERSPECTIVE
External News

EY

European Union

The EU Pay Transparency Directive, effective 7 June 2026, requires EU employers—and Swiss companies with EU-based employees—to implement structured pay transparency, reporting, and gender pay gap monitoring. Swiss organizations are encouraged to align early with the Directive by reviewing job architectures, conducting pay equity analyses, updating hiring and promotion processes, and establishing cross-functional governance to ensure compliance and fairness. Proactive preparation, including training and clear communication, helps Swiss companies meet evolving transparency expectations, maintain competitiveness, and demonstrate commitment to equitable pay practices.

9.1 Reconciling U.S. and European Equity Plan Practices

Designing equity programs across multiple regions can be challenging, particularly when balancing U.S. and European practices. This session explores the similarities, differences, and nuances of equity plan design on both sides of the Atlantic. Participants will gain insights into how cultural, regulatory, and market factors shape plan structures, participant communications, and overall program effectiveness. 

Through practical examples and lessons learned from multinational companies, attendees will leave with strategies to harmonize their equity programs while addressing local requirements and maintaining global consistency.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Compare key design features, regulatory considerations, and cultural influences between U.S. and European equity plans.
  • Learn strategies for harmonizing plan structures and participant experiences across regions while respecting local rules and expectations.
  • Gain actionable tips for managing cross-border tax, compliance, and administrative complexities, ensuring smooth program execution worldwide.
Speaker/Author

Sami Toutounji, Gide Loyrette Nouel (FR)
Nate O'Connor, FGE, Equity Methods (US)

Event date
Thursday, 23 Apr 2026, 12:15 - 12:55
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 1
LIVE WEBCAST
16 December 2025, 1 - 2pm EST
BRIDGING PAY EQUITY ACROSS BORDERS: INTEGRATING EQUITY AWARDS INTO U.S. AND EU PAY TRANSPARENCY COMPLIANCE
Webcast

Stephen Popowski, Aon
Ray Henry, Aon

Legal and regulatory
Trending now
All plan types
European Union
USA

With pay transparency and equity requirements tightening across both the U.S. and Europe, understanding how equity fits into the broader pay equity framework has never been more important. This session will explore how companies can proactively manage compensation fairness, mitigate legal risk, and prepare for upcoming EU regulations. Experts will discuss how to incorporate equity awards—such as RSUs, options, and performance grants—into pay equity
analyses and offer practical steps for compliance across regions.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand why U.S.-based companies should routinely conduct pay equity analyses under federal and state laws—and how equity awards factor into those reviews.
  • Learn how to value and integrate equity compensation (RSUs, options, performance grants) into pay equity assessments to ensure accurate and defensible results.
  • Gain insights into the EU’s new pay transparency and equity testing requirements—and how U.S. companies can conduct “look-ahead” testing now to identify and address potential compliance gaps before implementation.


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.

COST

  • Members: Free access — Live and on-demand
  • Non-members: $85 per webcast — Live and on-demand

Unlock unlimited access! Join GEO from just $350/year and watch every webcast free—live or on-demand plus more member perks!

ARTICLE
20 June 2025
LUXEMBOURG CARRIED INTEREST AND SPECIAL TAX REFORM ‘GOOD NEWS’ FOR BUSINESSES
External News

Pinsent Masons

Private and pre-IPO companies
All plan types
European Union

Luxembourg is introducing a modern carried interest tax regime and a special stock option regime for startup employees to attract top fund managers and support early-stage talent. Finance Minister Gilles Roth also emphasized the country’s push for digital transformation, including blockchain legislation, the MiCA directive, and the launch of the ‘peak accelerator’ to boost digital finance services. These reforms aim to strengthen Luxembourg’s position as a leading global financial center amid evolving economic and technological landscapes.

ARTICLE
14 January 2025
UNDERSTANDING STOCK OPTIONS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR EMPLOYEES
External News

1 TEMPLATE

European Union

The European Union's stock option landscape is shaped by a mix of EU-wide directives, national regulations, and strong employee protections. While frameworks like MiFID II provide overarching guidelines, country-specific rules such as France’s BSPCE regime and Germany’s participation act create diverse implementations. Successfully managing stock options in the EU requires adapting to these regulatory differences, considering works council involvement, and staying updated on trends like ESG-linked compensation and digital equity management.

1.5 All Aboard the CEE Express: Discovering Equity Incentives Across Central and Eastern Europe

As global companies continue to compete for top talent, equity compensation has become a key tool in attracting and retaining employees.

This session provides a unique opportunity to explore how equity incentives are structured and implemented across Central and Eastern Europe, with a special focus on the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Poland. The session will also address considerations specific to private companies, providing insights into how they can effectively leverage equity compensation in competitive markets.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain an understanding of the legal landscape for offering equity compensation in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Poland, including common pitfalls and red flags.
  • Explore the practical implications of managing equity awards for employees working across multiple jurisdictions, including the unique case of Ukrainian employees relocating throughout Europe.
  • Learn about current trends in equity compensation, including stock options, RSUs, and strategies tailored for private companies to optimise employee engagement and impact.
Speaker/Author

Olga Belyakova, CMS (UA)
Sarah McMaster, CMS (UK)
Viktoriia Stavchuk-Mulundkar, CMS (UK)
Michal Tutaj, CMS (PO)
 

Event date
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 14:45 - 15:45
Country
Breakout series
Location
Karin 4
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
I