Tax withholding on equity awards can be a major challenge, particularly for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions with differing rules. This session will uncover the “crown jewels” of global withholding, offering practical insights, strategic approaches, and legal considerations to navigate both common and complex challenges. Our expert panel will address key issues including determining withholding rates and taxable amounts, selecting appropriate methods for different equity vehicles, managing obligations for employees and non-employees, and the role of brokers in covering taxes. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to stay compliant, avoid pitfalls, and optimize their withholding processes.

KEY LEARNINGS:

• How to determine the correct withholding rate, taxable amount, and method for various equity plans. 
• Practical approaches to managing withholding obligations across multiple jurisdictions and employee types. 
• Strategies to mitigate risks, address failures to withhold, and leverage brokers effectively.

The equity compensation landscape is evolving at breakneck speed—and plan sponsors are feeling the urgency to adapt. In today’s environment, where growth is often flat, retention is critical, and employee expectations are rising, this session will tackle four essential themes: the expanding adoption of Choice Plans and tailored participant experiences; the continued innovation and impact of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs); the evolving role of Transfer Agents in supporting seamless operations and compliance; and the latest advancements in technology, including emerging AI tools for error detection and automation, as well as Sell-to-Cover solutions that simplify administration and optimize participant share outcomes.

This fast-paced, no-holds-barred panel brings together industry leaders to debate what’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next. Expect unfiltered insights, honest discussion, and actionable takeaways for your team.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

• Discover how Choice Plans and participant-driven customization are reshaping modern equity compensation.
• Uncover the latest trends and strategies in ESPPs to drive broad-based engagement and retention.
• Explore how today’s Transfer Agents support operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Learn how AI tools can proactively detect errors and automate equity plan processes for greater operational confidence.
• See how emerging Sell-to-Cover solutions simplify administration and optimize participant share outcomes.

Step into the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence and explore how it’s reshaping the way equity plans are administered. In this engaging one-hour session, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of AI technologies and discover how they’re being applied to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and support smarter decision-making in equity compensation.

Through real-world examples and practical use cases, we’ll examine how AI is driving new levels of accuracy, efficiency, and insight across the equity lifecycle. We’ll also address important ethical considerations and data privacy concerns, helping you prepare to implement AI responsibly and effectively within your organization.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Understand the core concepts of AI and how they apply to equity plan administration
• Explore real-world use cases where AI enhances data analysis, compliance, and reporting
• Learn best practices for addressing ethical risks and safeguarding data in AI applications

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, equity compensation continues to serve as a powerful tool for attracting, retaining, and engaging talent. But delivering effective global stock plans is more complex than ever—regulatory shifts, increasing expectations around equity and transparency, and the realities of a globally mobile workforce all demand new approaches.

This session—rooted in findings from GEO's 2025 Global Equity Insights Survey (GEIS), which includes data from over 170 companies across 20 countries—offers a comprehensive view into how leading organizations are meeting these challenges head-on and reimagining their equity strategies for the future.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Discover how top-performing companies are structuring LTIs and SPPs to align with strategic goals, culture, and talent retention.
• Explore data-driven approaches to pay equity, global mobility, and private company equity plans based on leading survey trends.
• Learn how AI and digital tools are driving operational efficiency, improving compliance, and elevating participant engagement.