Why does it make sense to issue shares of the company to management, employees or contractors? What is the best compensation model? Crisp shares, options or phantom shares? How and when are each form taxed? What are the practical recommendations and experiences of advisors and business owners with ESOPs?
We have been systematically, professionally and consultatively dealing with the topic of ESOP programmes in Slovak companies from a tax, legal and practical (business) point of view since 2018.
We have organized a professional conference on ESOP programs, lectured at professional forums, published several articles, and recorded several video podcasts (on the Lucky 13, the Revolution in Payroll, or ESOPs on the blockchain). After the business community enthusiastically embraced the amendment to the Income Tax Act passed in 2023, which aimed to make acquired shares in companies tax-free and untaxable for so-called ESOPists, we systematically communicated and highlighted several shortcomings of the amendment in question (more in our article or podcast).
Due to the topicality of this topic, we have decided to organize a unique and practical information-packed event in 2026 specifically focused on the topic of setting up ESOP programs in Slovak companies. In addition to an interesting discussion and lectures regarding the setup and taxation of various forms of ESOP shares, you will be treated to a live Highgate Talks podcast, where Tomas Demo and Peter Varga will talk with Juraj Hrbaty (CEO and founder of Finax) about how the ESOP program works at Finax. You will also learn how the unique reward system works at Highgate Group (Stastna 13) and what opportunities it brings for other companies.
Date: 15. 4. 2026 | 9:00 – 11:15
Venue: Lab28 | Nivy Tower
Price: 60 € + VAT
We look forward to seeing you. Attention, capacity is limited to 40 seats!
The event is primarily intended for business owners and entrepreneurs. In the event of full capacity, the organizer reserves the right to confirm registrations of this group of participants on a priority basis.
8:30 – 8:50 Registration and morning coffee
9:00 – 9:45 Why and how ESOPs are set up in Slovak companies / How ESOPs work in FINAX (Advice and owner’s experience)
Form: Highgate Talks LIVE + Q&A
Moderators: Tomáš Demo and Peter Varga
Guest: Juraj Hrbatý (Finax)
9:45 – 10:00 Networking break
10:00 – 10:20 Lucky 13: How an Innovative ESOP Can Lead to Management Buyout
Format: short presentation
Speaker: Peter Varga
10:20 – 10:35 Networking break
10:35 – 11:15 ESOP without mistakes: how to set it up to motivate while not losing control of the company
Form: Lecture + Q&A
Speakers.
Peter Varga
Peter Varga worked for five years in the Bratislava office of Dentons, a major international law firm, where he advised clients on cross-border financing and international tax law. Peter is a co-founder and partner of Highgate Group, where he specializes primarily in transactional tax advice and creating efficient tax and legal structures for Slovak and international clients, including in the areas of M&A, private equity and venture capital investments. He also advises clients on setting up Slovak and cross-border investment funds and represents clients in proceedings before the National Bank of Slovakia and the Financial Administration. He regularly lectures, writes articles and also participates as an advisor in several legislative projects.
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Tomas Demo
After graduating from law school, Tomáš Demo worked for one of the largest international law firms Allen & Overy as a law clerk and then as an associate for several years. Tomáš is a solicitor and co-founder of the Highgate Group. Tomas is a specialist advisor on M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions and corporate acquisition structures. He also has a long-standing interest in corporate law and corporate set-up of local and cross-border ESOP structures. As part of his specialty, he also advises clients on setting up structures to protect corporate and private assets, including the design and formation of holding companies, endowments and other forms of asset protection. He regularly publishes and speaks to the media, particularly on topics relating to the sale of businesses.
Juraj Hrbaty
Juraj Hrbatý is the CEO and founder of Finax, a leader in digital wealth management and passive investing in Central Europe, which manages assets for more than 100,000 clients amounting to EUR 1.5 billion. Juraj’s philosophy within the business is to help people make the right financial decisions so they can live a happy and dignified life. In addition to running the company, today he is also dedicated to spreading financial education. He is co-author of the book “How Much Is Your Happiness Worth”, in which he explores the link between finance and life satisfaction. He has a degree in financial management and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) post-graduate certification for investment and financial professionals. For the first ten years, he held senior positions in investment companies and also served as Vice Chairman of the Securities Dealers Association of Slovakia.
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Law & Tax
Tomas Demo
tomas.demo@highgate.sk
Accounting
Peter Šopinec
peter.sopinec@highgate.sk
Crypto
Peter Varga
peter.varga@highgate.sk
