Financial advisors for executives with complex compensation.
409A deferred comp, 10b5-1 plans, 280G parachute analysis, concentrated-stock diversification, executive offer evaluation — matched with advisors who specialize in C-suite comp.
Executive comp is its own legal and tax discipline
Section 409A. Section 280G. Section 16. SEC 10b5-1. These aren't planning optimizations — they're regulatory landmines where getting the election wrong can trigger 20% excise taxes plus immediate inclusion of deferred balances in income. Typical executive balance sheets carry $5-50M of restricted employer stock, a seven-figure NQDC account, and an upcoming change-of-control event. Generalist advisors don't have the reps.
- NQDC elections. Deferral amount, distribution schedule, 409A election timing. Get wrong and the entire balance becomes currently taxable plus 20% penalty.
- 10b5-1 plan design. Post-2023 SEC amendments, cooling-off periods, single-trade restrictions. Executives need plans; the design dimensions matter.
- Change-of-control / 280G. Golden parachute excise tax on payments exceeding 3× base. Mitigation via deferral, cutback provisions, and post-acquisition employment structures.
- Concentrated stock diversification. At $10M+ positions, optimal strategy differs from smaller positions — exchange funds, CRUTs, direct-indexing SMAs with tax-loss harvesting.
- Executive offer evaluation. Base + bonus + LTI grant types (RSUs vs options vs PSUs) + deferred comp + change-of-control clauses. The offer letter hides the real economics.
Tools & guides
NQDC Deferral & Distribution Calculator
Model how much to defer and when to take distributions — balancing current-year tax savings against retirement-year brackets and 409A constraints.
Executive Compensation Planning: A Complete Guide
The full stack: NQDC, equity grants, 10b5-1, change-of-control, and exit planning.
Golden Parachutes and 280G: The Change-of-Control Tax Analysis
How 280G excise tax works, what triggers the "base amount × 3" threshold, and mitigation strategies.
10b5-1 Plans for Executives
SEC-compliant trading plan design, cooling-off periods, and the design dimensions that matter.
Diversifying Concentrated Executive Stock
Five strategies for $5M+ concentrated positions: gradual sell-down, exchange funds, direct indexing, CRUTs, collar hedges.
Get matched with an executive comp specialist
Tell us your role and primary concern. We'll match you with a fee-only advisor who has worked on dozens of NQDC, 10b5-1, and change-of-control situations. No fees, no obligation.