Design Process Overview - The design of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) IPO involves five main stages: preliminary planning, structural design, compliance review, establishment and implementation, and post-listing management [2][7]. Structural Design - The choice of legal entity and registration location for the ESOP significantly impacts tax costs, control, and regulatory compliance. Common structures include Limited Partnerships (LP) or corporate entities, with LPs being preferred due to "tax transparency" [3][5]. Compliance Requirements - The ESOP must comply with HKEX and regulatory requirements, including the Listing Rules, which stipulate that the total ESOP shares cannot exceed 10% of the company's issued share capital unless a waiver is granted [4][8]. Strategic Positioning - The core objectives of the ESOP include attracting talent, binding key teams, reducing cash compensation pressure, and enhancing corporate governance. The selection of participants must adhere to the principle of "reasonableness" [5][7]. Scale and Proportion - The total scale of the ESOP is typically set between 5% to 15% of the total share capital before listing, with individual participant holdings generally not exceeding 1% to avoid excessive dilution [5][8]. Funding Sources - Employees usually contribute their own funds, but the company may provide loans under specific conditions. The interest rates on loans must be reasonable and not affect the employees' repayment ability [5][8]. Entity Type Selection - Employees as shareholders must pay corporate income tax (16.5% in Hong Kong) and personal income tax on dividends/capital gains, which may lead to double taxation issues. The choice between LP and corporate structures depends on the need for independent legal status or complex financing [5][8]. Documentation and Internal Approval - Core agreements must be drafted, including the ESOP agreement and Limited Partnership Agreement (if applicable), outlining participant conditions, funding methods, share calculations, lock-up periods, exit mechanisms, and breach handling [6][8]. Ongoing Management - Post-listing, the ESOP must be managed effectively, including annual disclosures of changes in participation, share transfers, and compliance with HKEX requirements [8][10]. Valuation and Tax Optimization - The entry price for the ESOP must be fair to avoid being perceived as "benefit transfer" to employees. Tax optimization strategies should be employed to minimize tax burdens on both the employees and the platform [9][10]. Control Arrangements - Founders or designated management companies typically act as General Partners (GP) to maintain control over the platform, ensuring that employee shareholding does not excessively dilute control [10]. Information Disclosure - Comprehensive disclosure of the ESOP's key information, including purpose, scale, participant criteria, valuation methods, lock-up periods, and exit mechanisms, is required in the prospectus and ongoing reports to maintain investor confidence [10].