“We are seeking a replacement software application to assist us with the administration of our executive options and LTIPs. We had previously used Options Manager for similar tasks, but this will not be compatible with our systems going forward. Could respondents please advise which they use and the pros/cons of those systems?”
We use the Centive (Killik) portal for our LTIPs. It is good for most schemes, but struggles with some of the more complicated schemes.
We have just changed over to Sharetrack (from Cytec Solutions) so its too early to comment on what they are like but clearly they came out on top when tendering for this service.
We used to use Howells but now use Killik system to help administer our LTIPS – I am not sure how their acquisition by Equniti will affect their performance, but to date they have been adaptable and responsive to our requirements.
We tried Howell’s a few years ago and found that it did not have the advantages we anticipated over a well constructed spreadsheet. On a cost benefit basis we reverted to our spreadsheet which we find easy and reliable.
We use Howells to administer our LTIPs however I am not convinced it is cost effective.
I have demo’d ShareTrack and – depending upon the cost – I think it offers a more modern system and would certainly put it on a short list.
To date we have done this manually with spreadsheets! Next week I am looking at a solution from our brokers.
Our registrar has quoted execessive prices
Sharetrack from Cytec Solutions came out better when I tendered in late 2012. I found their system had a better look and feel to it, and the team have been great in accomodating our ad-hoc requests and making the system work as we wanted it to. Their pricing structures were very different, but came out broadly the same. I have no hesitations in recommending Sharetrack.
We use Howells primarily because it is simple to operate (being more intuitive than other systems) and does the basics (participant records, leavers, lapses HMRC reports, etc), which is all we require, well. In addition, the support line is very helpful and quick.
We use Howell’s SchemeTrack in combination with a share scheme website where participants have individual access to see and model their grants. However, webbased SchemeTrack can be used on its own and I can recommend it.