EQUITY DESIGN
ESOP & Compensation Structuring
Equity compensation is the most powerful tool to attract, retain, and align world-class talent. We design, implement, and manage ESOP programs across jurisdictions - from plan architecture and valuation through exit events and secondary liquidity.
Process
How we work.
A structured engagement — from first conversation to delivered outcome. Each mandate follows a transparent process so founders always know what's next.
Design
Choose the optimal plan structure for your company stage.
Value
409A/FMV valuations to determine fair grant pricing.
Implement
Draft plan documents, board resolutions, and grant letters.
Manage
Ongoing vesting administration, tax compliance, and exit events.
Scope
What we cover.
The full range of expertise we bring to every engagement in this practice.
- ESOP plan design - RSUs, SARs, Phantom Stocks, and Trust-based structures
- Cross-border ESOP implementation and multi-jurisdiction tax compliance
- 409A, FMV, and perquisite taxation valuation reports
- Exit event planning and secondary liquidity structuring
- ESOP pool creation and cap table impact/dilution modeling
- Global employee taxation, withholding strategy, and social security treaties
- Vesting schedule design - cliff, graded, and performance-linked structures
- ESOP policy drafting and board/shareholder approval resolutions
- Accounting advisory - IFRS 2, Ind AS 102, ASC 718 treatment
Deliverables
What you receive.
Tangible outputs — documents, filings, and transaction artefacts delivered on every mandate.
Related
Adjacent practices.
Engagements that often accompany this mandate.