Companies Act 2006: Primary legislation governing company operations, including share capital, share transfers, directors' duties, and company administration requirements
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: Regulations concerning financial instruments and financial promotions, particularly relevant if the options are considered regulated financial instruments
Employment Rights Act 1996: Legislative framework for employment relationships, relevant when options are granted to employees, covering employment terms and conditions
Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003: Tax legislation governing the treatment of share options and employee share schemes, including specific provisions for various types of option arrangements
Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) Legislation: Schedule 5 of the Income Tax Act 2003, specific provisions for tax-advantaged EMI options commonly used by smaller companies
Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) Rules: Schedule 4 of the Income Tax Act 2003, governing the implementation and operation of Company Share Option Plans
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legislation governing the processing and protection of personal data of option holders
Financial Promotion Order 2005: Regulations under FSMA 2000 concerning the promotion of financial products, including share options
Corporate Governance Code: Guidelines and principles for corporate governance, particularly relevant for listed companies or those planning to list
Stock Exchange Rules: Regulations and requirements set by stock exchanges, applicable to listed companies or those planning an IPO
