Bank on Wipfli

Bank on Wipfli


The employee stock ownership plan advantage

November 26, 2024

How can employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) be used as a succession planning tool for registered investment advisor firms? In this episode of Bank on Wipfli, we explore the benefits of ESOPs and discuss how to implement them.

Special guest Nicholas Karalis, vice president of Wintrust Commercial Banking, joined Wipfli partner Robert Zondag to discuss:

  • The tax advantages of ESOPs for both sellers and companies.
  • How to successfully implement an ESOP.
  • How companies structured as S corporation ESOPs may be tax-exempt, making them an attractive option for ownership transition.


Banking products provided by Wintrust Financial Corp. banks. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.