# Best Stock Plan Administration Software *By [Nathan Calabrese](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/nathan-calabrese)* Stock plan administration software helps publicly listed companies manage employee share plans. It enables organizations to offer and manage complex stock plans by automating the administration of these plans. It also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. This software helps companies align business performance and shareholder value with employee incentives. Stock plan administration software is often used across HR, finance, legal, and compliance departments. HR teams use it to manage stock programs, finance teams rely on it for accurate financial reporting and tax compliance, and legal teams use it to ensure regulatory compliance. Employees also interact with the system through self-service portals that allow them to view, understand, and act on their stock plans. This software integrates with systems that manage people, such as [benefits administration platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/benefits-administration?source=search), [payroll systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/payroll?source=search), and [accounting software](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting?source=search). While similar, stock plan administration software is not to be confused with [equity management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/equity-management?source=search) because stock plan administration software manages employee stock plans and contains specialized tools needed for public company stock plans. Equity management software, on the other hand, provides a broader, strategic view of a company’s entire capitalization table, ownership, and fundraising. To qualify for inclusion in the Stock Plan Administration category, a product must: - Provide end-to-end management of share plans for publicly traded companies - Facilitate stock trading and settlements - Provide an employee self-service portal where employees can gain visibility and manage their stock plans - Help automate the creation of financial reports, including real-time International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 2 reporting, and integrate with accounting tools to streamline audit and financial compliance ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 12 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 500+ Authentic Reviews - 12+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Best Stock Plan Administration Software At A Glance - **Easiest to Use:** [Optio Incentives](https://www.g2.com/products/optio-incentives/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Fidelity Private Shares](https://www.g2.com/products/fidelity-private-shares/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Cake Equity Cake Equity is the best cap table and equity management software to help startup founders accelerate team motivation through equity ownership. We deliver the essential functionality startup leaders need - from cap table management to stock option & esop admin - with an intuitive, modern interface that makes equity management straightforward and accessible. What sets Cake apart is our focus on team motivation through equity. We believe that when teams understand and feel connected to their ownership stake, they're more engaged and aligned with company success. Our platform combines robust equity admin tools with features designed to help employees appreciate their stake in the company's future. With transparent pricing, dedicated support, and a user experience built specifically for scaling startups, Cake makes it simple to get equity right from day one. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1010852&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1715&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1715&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=134444&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1010852&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fstock-plan-administration&secure%5Btoken%5D=951cb12e32be25eaadfe6747539ecea148b184d3664f9769c1972135ddcb4e15&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cakeequity.com&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url&secure%5Bvisitor_segment%5D=180) --- ## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score) ### 1. [Optio Incentives](https://www.g2.com/products/optio-incentives/reviews) Optio Incentives is a leading equity management platform that makes stock plan administration simple and efficient. Our powerful platform and expert support help companies seamlessly manage their equity programs across 130 countries. With deep local knowledge and a strong track record serving over 500 clients worldwide, we ensure your equity plans succeed wherever your business takes you. Our platform brings together clear participant communications, powerful financial reporting and flexible global shareholding in one user-friendly system. Companies can easily manage awards, track performance, and generate accurate reports while meeting global standards and local requirements. Think of us as your equity partner, combining tech with specialized equity knowledge. Whether local or global, private or public our solutions help you build and scale successful incentive programs that make an impact. **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 61 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Optio Incentives](https://www.g2.com/sellers/optio-incentives) - **Company Website:** https://www.optioincentives.com/ - **Year Founded:** 2018 - **HQ Location:** Oslo, NO - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentives/ (123 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 49% Mid-Market, 30% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (24 reviews) - Team Helpfulness (17 reviews) - Ease of Use (14 reviews) - Equity Management (13 reviews) - User Interface (10 reviews) **Cons:** - Manual Operations (3 reviews) - Complex Reporting (2 reviews) - Lack of Instructions (2 reviews) - Limited Features (2 reviews) - Access Limitations (1 reviews) ### 2. [J.P.Morgan Workplace Solutions](https://www.g2.com/products/j-p-morgan-workplace-solutions/reviews) Workplace Solutions simplifies equity compensation management and helps bring your reward strategy to life. We provide full-service management of your employee stock plans, taking care of day-to-day administration so you don’t have to. We provide your participants with their own personalized account for easy transacting and access to education and support. Specialist services for your senior leaders and dedicated support for you and your employees. Contact us today to understand how we can help you unlock the power of equity compensation. To read our full company disclaimer, visit jpmorganworkplacesolutions.com. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 140 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [JPMorgan Chase](https://www.g2.com/sellers/jpmorgan-chase) - **Company Website:** https://www.jpmorganchase.com - **HQ Location:** New York, NY - **Twitter:** @jpmorgan (830,216 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1068/ (223,892 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE:JPM **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** CEO, Co-Founder - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 87% Small-Business, 10% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (18 reviews) - Ease of Use (18 reviews) - Cap Table Management (17 reviews) - Features (13 reviews) - Onboarding (12 reviews) **Cons:** - Limited Features (4 reviews) - Onboarding Issues (3 reviews) - Manual Operations (1 reviews) - Technical Issues (1 reviews) ### 3. [Certent Equity Management](https://www.g2.com/products/certent-equity-management/reviews) Certent Equity Management from insightsoftware streamlines and simplifies how private and public companies track, manage, and report on cap table and equity compensation while saving you time, cost, and reducing risk. Equity Administration Streamline the entire equity process from grant processing through to exercise and settlement. Equity Financial Reporting Eliminate the need for spreadsheets and integrate seamlessly with any equity administration platform. Broker & HR Payroll Connectors Eliminate the need to change equity platforms if you decide to change your broker and sync employee HR records with your equity plan database. Equity Compensation Services Choose from a full range of equity compensation administration and accounting services to support your company’s unique needs. Cap Table Management Achieve a new level of insight and analysis, and enjoy more organized data, better decisions, and enhanced communications. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 116 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [insightsoftware](https://www.g2.com/sellers/insightsoftware-f6b45d26-bff9-4340-b3b7-a2076e7bb544) - **Year Founded:** 2018 - **HQ Location:** Raleigh, North Carolina - **Twitter:** @insightsoftware (802 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/outcomes-by-insightsoftware/ (2,267 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Controller - **Top Industries:** Biotechnology, Banking - **Company Size:** 53% Mid-Market, 36% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (11 reviews) - Customer Support (9 reviews) - Reporting Efficiency (7 reviews) - Reporting (6 reviews) - Equity Management (4 reviews) **Cons:** - UX Improvement (4 reviews) - Difficult Implementation (2 reviews) - Improvement Needed (2 reviews) - Limited Customization (2 reviews) - Navigation Difficulty (2 reviews) ### 4. [Fidelity Private Shares](https://www.g2.com/products/fidelity-private-shares/reviews) Fidelity Private Shares is offering the next generation of equity management. We're reshaping how private companies get started, raise capital, and exit by raising the bar for cap table management and making venture financing simpler. With our platform, you get everything you need to scale and exit: - Fundraise faster than ever before - Have more accurate data and documentation - Automate your legal operations Thousands of users, investors, and attorneys rely on us for fundraising and legal due diligence. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 32 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Fidelity](https://www.g2.com/sellers/fidelity) - **Company Website:** https://www.fidelity.com - **Year Founded:** 1946 - **HQ Location:** Boston, US - **Twitter:** @Fidelity (395,642 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1307/ (85,040 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Computer Software - **Company Size:** 76% Small-Business, 15% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Features (5 reviews) - Ease of Use (4 reviews) - Customer Support (3 reviews) - Knowledge (3 reviews) - Team Helpfulness (3 reviews) **Cons:** - UX Improvement (2 reviews) - Workflow Inefficiencies (2 reviews) - Access Limitations (1 reviews) - Expensive (1 reviews) - Limited Features (1 reviews) ### 5. [Astrella](https://www.g2.com/products/astrella/reviews) Astrella is a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution designed to help companies efficiently manage their ownership data, including capitalization tables (cap tables) and employee equity plans. This platform serves as a comprehensive tool for organizations seeking to streamline their equity management processes, ultimately saving both time and financial resources. By providing a centralized system for tracking ownership data, Astrella minimizes the risks associated with traditional spreadsheet methods, ensuring accuracy and reliability in equity reporting. Targeted primarily at businesses of various sizes, Astrella caters to employers, employees, and service firms such as law, private equity (PE), venture capital (VC), and accounting firms. These stakeholders often require precise and up-to-date information regarding equity ownership and compensation structures. The platform's user-friendly interface and robust features make it accessible for both seasoned professionals and those new to equity management, facilitating a smoother experience for all users involved in the equity management process. Key features of Astrella include a Fully Diluted Cap Table, Waterfall Analysis, and 409A Valuation, which provide invaluable insights into a company's equity structure and financial standing. Additionally, the platform offers stock compensation reporting in compliance with ASC 718, ensuring that organizations meet regulatory requirements while maintaining transparency in their equity practices. The inclusion of electronic granting of certificates and an online portal for shareholders and employees further enhances the user experience, making it easier to manage equity-related tasks efficiently. Astrella's Immutable Audit-trail feature stands out as a significant advantage, allowing users to maintain an uncontested genealogy of shares. This capability not only enhances trust among stakeholders but also simplifies the auditing process. Furthermore, Astrella prides itself on offering white-glove customer service, ensuring that users receive personalized support whenever needed. With no surprise contracts upon renewal, organizations can rely on Astrella for consistent and predictable service. Overall, Astrella provides a comprehensive solution for cap table management and equity administration, addressing the complexities of ownership data with precision and ease. By integrating essential features and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Astrella positions itself as a valuable resource for companies navigating the intricacies of equity management. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 51 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Equiniti](https://www.g2.com/sellers/equiniti) - **Year Founded:** 1988 - **HQ Location:** New York, USA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/equiniti/ (5,639 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** LSE:EQN - **Total Revenue (USD mm):** $529 **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 76% Small-Business, 16% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Implementation Ease (1 reviews) - Integration Process (1 reviews) - Intuitive Design (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Onboarding Issues (1 reviews) - Slow Performance (1 reviews) - UX Improvement (1 reviews) ### 6. [Ledgy](https://www.g2.com/products/ledgy/reviews) Stay compliant, save time and engage your team. Ledgy is the modern equity management platform that takes your company further. Make your time-consuming, manual processes easy by automating key tasks. Adapt it to your needs, update records in an instant, and ensure it works for your team — in any country, at any time. Create simple and effective communications that empower your people. Get set up and started in an instant, and then it’s ready to deliver value, day-in day-out. Ledgy is exactly what you need to drive greater efficiency and take care of compliance and risk management. It’s the platform that enables you to align all of your stakeholders to achieve more and inspire positive change. Book a Demo to see Ledgy in action. https://ledgy.com/demo/ledgy/?utm\_source=g2 **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 63 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Ledgy](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ledgy) - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** Zurich, Zurich - **Twitter:** @Ledgy (667 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/ledgy/ (74 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 54% Mid-Market, 42% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (7 reviews) - User Interface (5 reviews) - Ease of Use (4 reviews) - Cap Table Management (3 reviews) - Customisation (2 reviews) **Cons:** - Technical Issues (2 reviews) - Complex Reporting (1 reviews) - Limited Customization (1 reviews) - Shareholder Management (1 reviews) ### 7. [Empower Stock Plan Services](https://www.g2.com/products/empower-stock-plan-services/reviews) Expert-backed, easy-to-use equity plan and cap table management software. As the longest standing provider in the space, we have the most experienced Certified Equity Professionals, with an average tenure in equity comp of 17 years. More importantly, we put our experts on the front lines with our clients. No phone trees, call centers or chatbots, just a direct phone number and email address leading right to our CEPs, who are happy to discuss system usage or equity compensation best practices at large. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 24 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Empower](https://www.g2.com/sellers/empower-7e3ad9c7-855f-45d3-af11-3d2d0bf66518) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Greenwood Village, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowertoday/ (13,087 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 46% Mid-Market, 29% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - User Interface (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Reporting (1 reviews) - Lack of Instructions (1 reviews) - Poor Customer Support (1 reviews) ### 8. [BoardRoom](https://www.g2.com/products/boardroom/reviews) Employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) encourage workers to enhance their performance as they directly benefit from the organisation’s success, making it a win-win for both sides. As a result, many businesses use ESOPs as a successful development strategy. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [BoardRoom](https://www.g2.com/sellers/boardroom) - **HQ Location:** Singapore, SG - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/boardroom-limited-registries-/ (628 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [EquatePlus](https://www.g2.com/products/computershare-equateplus/reviews) Discover the next generation of digital innovation with EquatePlus. The platform simplifies employee share plan management and provides participants with a superior experience. Companies have full control of their employee share plans using the powerful suite of tools. With a modern and intuitive platform, managing your plans is simple. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Computershare](https://www.g2.com/sellers/computershare) - **HQ Location:** Dublin, IE - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/computershare-ireland (57 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** ASX: CPU ### 10. [Schwab EquiView](https://www.g2.com/products/schwab-equiview/reviews) Stock Plan Administration made easy. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Charles Schwab](https://www.g2.com/sellers/charles-schwab-0b079c1d-b93f-486b-aa03-5875228b8ae7) - **HQ Location:** San Francisco, California, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-advisor-services/ (290 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE: SCHW ### 11. [Shareworks by Morgan Stanley](https://www.g2.com/products/shareworks-by-morgan-stanley/reviews) Shareworks helps both private and public companies build cultures of ownership with a comprehensive suite of tools for equity plan management to help companies engage and attract top talent, simplify equity plan administration, provide confident disclosures and comply with certainty. Shareworks includes both US GAAP and IFRS financial reporting, supports global tax and legal compliance for over 170+ countries, offers 409A valuations, liquidity events, equity compensation benchmarking and compensation strategy planning tools. **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 32 **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Morgan Stanley Smith Barney](https://www.g2.com/sellers/morgan-stanley-smith-barney) - **Year Founded:** 1935 - **HQ Location:** New York, New York, United States - **Twitter:** @MorganStanley (740,986 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/morgan-stanley/ (95,264 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE: MS **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Computer Software - **Company Size:** 41% Mid-Market, 38% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Cons:** - Lack of Mobile Accessibility (1 reviews) - UX Improvement (1 reviews) ### 12. [VU Live](https://www.g2.com/products/vu-live/reviews) A transformative, real time and totally interconnected share plans solution. **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Investec Share Plan Services](https://www.g2.com/sellers/investec-share-plan-services) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ## Parent Category [Accounting & Finance Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting-finance) ## Related Categories - [Equity Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/equity-management)