Stablecoin issuer Circle is moving its legal base from Ireland to the United States, as confirmed by recent filings with the High Court of the Republic of Ireland. This move may be linked to Circle’s potential initial public offering (IPO) plans, despite the U.S.'s higher tax rates compared to Ireland. Circle, which confidentially filed for an IPO in January, issues the USDC stablecoin and counts major financial firms like Fidelity and BlackRock among its investors.

British computing startup Raspberry Pi plans to list on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant win for the struggling U.K. stock market. The company, known for its single-board computers, aims to publish a registration document as part of its IPO process, with the majority shareholder being the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Despite London’s challenges in attracting tech listings, Raspberry Pi’s IPO reflects its growth, with $265.8 million in revenues and $43.5 million in adjusted earnings in 2023, and substantial backing from Sony and Arm.

Employee Share Schemes (ESS) are instrumental in Australian companies, fostering teamwork and growth by granting employees equity ownership. This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of ESS implementation, covering stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), offering practical insights for navigating regulatory requirements and fostering a culture of ownership. By tailoring ESS programs to align with organizational goals, providing clear communication and education, and evaluating effectiveness over time, companies can maximize the benefits of ESS, enhancing employee engagement, retention, and organizational performance. Additionally, exploring emerging trends such as technology integration and alternative performance-based incentives presents opportunities for innovation and growth in ESS implementation.

Equity compensation is increasingly popular among employers as a means to attract and retain talent, with 72% of companies offering some form of it, according to a Morgan Stanley survey. Stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) are three common types of equity compensation, each with its own tax implications and considerations for employees. While these perks can offer potential financial rewards, there are risks involved, such as stock price fluctuations and tax complexities, prompting experts to advise careful planning and consideration of individual financial goals.

Australia is trailing behind the US and advanced European economies in implementing employee share schemes, as revealed by the first global survey spearheaded by tax partner Shaun Cartoon and lawyer Eileen Liu. Conducted by a team of specialists from Arnold Bloch Leibler, Baker McKenzie, KPMG, and Tapestry Compliance, along with issuers and academics, the survey measured operating environments across 26 countries. Australia's complex tax rules and regulatory constraints on unlisted companies have hindered the scaling up of share plans, with tax incentives playing a significant role in decision-making for companies.

This article advocates for greater democratization of workplaces, highlighting the absence of democratic rights for workers despite their significant time spent in these environments. It discusses the potential benefits of enabling employees to have more control and ownership in their workplaces, citing examples of successful employee-owned firms in Canada and abroad. The article also outlines various public policy options, including the creation of Employee Ownership Trusts, to facilitate the expansion of democratic employee ownership in Canada and address barriers such as limited access to capital.

Room & Board, a Minneapolis-based furniture retailer, has transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), granting their 1,100 employees a financial stake in the company, reinforcing its commitment to American craftsmanship and staff well-being. Founded in 1980, Room & Board's success, with annual sales exceeding half a billion dollars, is attributed to its dedication to quality craftsmanship and exceptional service, alongside a focus on staff welfare. The decision to become 100% employee-owned aligns with the company's values of respect, transparency, and collaboration, demonstrating its commitment to preserving its culture while fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future.