• Restricted shares are a form of executive compensation in which non-transferable shares are issued to employees with conditions regarding the timing of the sale.

  • Restrictions include an empowerment period that can last for several years, provided that the employee continues to work for the company for several years or until a certain stage of the company is reached.
  • The use of restricted shares is most common in established companies that want to motivate employees by giving them an equity stake.