Govt cuts red tape for employee share schemes
Govt cuts red tape for employee share schemes
Commerce Minister Craig Foss has announced an
exemption to cut compliance costs for employee share schemes
as part of the Financial Markets Conduct Act
implementation.
“New exemption rules will open up possibilities for employers to offer share purchase schemes, enabling employees to take an ownership stake in the business they work for. This creates a practical way for businesses, especially start-ups to attract and retain talent,” says Mr Foss.
Current rules can make it costly and burdensome for employers, especially start-ups, to offer their employees a stake in their company.
Under the new purchase exemption employers will need to
provide employees with:
• a warning statement
about the nature of employee share purchase schemes and the
implications of the exemption
• basic information
about the scheme, such as its terms and conditions
•
access to the employer’s most recent annual report and
financial statements.
“Employee share schemes can help
employers attract and retain staff. Offering employees a
stake in a business can also help with helping to facilitate
ownership succession and provides additional equity
capital.
“Creating robust financial markets and restoring investor confidence are key pillars of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda,” says Mr Foss.
For more information on the Financial Markets Conduct Act implementation, visitwww.fma.govt.nz/keep-updated/the-future-of-financial-markets
ends.