Group 5 Releases 2026 Equity Compensation Administration Benchmarking Study Results

Charles Schwab earns the industry's highest loyalty and overall satisfaction ratings.

PETALUMA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 5 announced the findings of its 2026 Equity Compensation Administration Benchmarking Study. Charles Schwab received both the highest client Net Promoter Score of 70, and the highest overall satisfaction rating of 97% among stock plan administration service providers.

This year's results indicate that while responsive service remains a critical component of the client experience, plan sponsors are increasingly evaluating providers based on reporting capabilities, automation, platform usability, and support for international equity programs.

"Plan sponsors continue to expect exceptional service, and technology has become an increasingly important factor in provider evaluations," said Jeff Sunday, CEO of Group 5. "They are looking for solutions that simplify administration, improve reporting, reduce manual effort, and support increasingly complex global equity programs."

Schwab received the highest rating for client loyalty and, for the third consecutive year, the highest overall satisfaction rating, with respondents pointing to responsive, knowledgeable service teams, a strong technology platform, and simplified plan administration as key strengths.

"We have accelerated the delivery of new capabilities by expanding our technology teams, enhancing our development process, and capturing meaningful efficiency benefits from AI. These investments are helping us innovate faster and deliver greater value for our clients, which we're pleased to see reflected in the latest Group 5 results," said Andrew Salesky, MD for Stock Plan and Designated Brokerage Services, Schwab Workplace Services.

Now in its 27^th year, Group 5's annual study measures corporate plan sponsors' opinions of their service providers across key areas including account support, technology, reporting, and plan participant service. The study includes responses from 452 U.S. public companies and is the only independent forum for plan sponsors to confidentially make their opinions and priorities known to service providers.

Founded in 1990, Group 5 is a corporate services research firm, and a leader in business-to-business loyalty and satisfaction research in equity compensation plan administration and shareholder services.

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of Group Five Inc.

Company Contact:
Jeff Sunday
(415) 785-7431
[email protected]
www.groupfiveinc.com

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SOURCE Group Five