Shareworks

Shareworks is an equity compensation management platform for private and public companies, available on Android, iOS and the web. Administrators can create custom global plans and use reporting tools with a sandbox for modeling, budgeting and comparing forecasts. Reporting supports audit-ready outputs and events such as 409A valuations and Section 16 filings, while private-company features include corporate capitalization tracking. The platform supports real-time HRIS data sharing through an API. Morgan Stanley has announced integrations with Pave and Wilson Sonsini, as well as a Workday API for flexible file imports. Account holders can use the mobile app to view portfolios and transaction history, sell or transfer shares, and exercise options. A Shareworks account is required to use the app. The iOS app listing says it supports Face ID or Touch ID, encrypts communications and does not store financial data on the device. Pricing is on request. Shareworks services are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates, wholly owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley.

Shareworks combines plan administration, reporting and account-holder tools across web and mobile. Companies should request pricing and account holders need a Shareworks account to use the app.

Shareworks is for private or public companies managing equity compensation, and for account holders who want to review or act on shares through a mobile app. The platform may suit administrators who need global plans, HRIS data sharing and reporting.

Shareworks is an equity compensation platform for private and public companies. It is strongest for organizations that need adaptable global plans, compliance reporting and employee account tools in one system. Its breadth is appealing, but custom pricing and an account requirement for mobile access make it less straightforward for smaller teams or individual investors.

Overview

The platform brings plan administration, private-company capitalization tracking and employee-facing account tools together. Administrators can model budgets and compare forecasts in a sandbox, while reporting covers events such as 409A valuations and Section 16 filings. That mix suits organizations managing equity as an ongoing program rather than simply maintaining a cap table. The trade-off is that buyers must request pricing before judging the cost against their needs.

Key features

• Flexible plan administration: Administrators can create custom global plans, with support for restricted stock units, stock options and employee stock purchase plans. Custom vesting rules and an employee portal make the setup useful for varied award structures, though smaller programs may not need this level of administrative scope.
• Forecasting and compliance reporting: A sandbox supports modeling, budgeting and comparing forecasts, while audit-ready reports cover 409A valuations and Section 16 filings. This is a practical combination for teams that need to plan equity costs and prepare reporting around compliance events.
• HR and corporate data: Real-time API sharing with HRIS systems can help keep employee data current. Morgan Stanley has also announced Shareworks API integrations with Pave and Wilson Sonsini, plus a Workday API for flexible file imports. Private companies can track corporate capitalization data, adding value beyond award administration.
• Employee account tools: Account holders can view portfolios and transaction history, sell or transfer shares, and exercise options in the mobile app. The iOS app supports Face ID or Touch ID, encrypts communications and does not store financial data on the device. Mobile access is useful for participants managing awards, but it requires a Shareworks account.

Pricing

Shareworks uses a paid model with custom pricing. There is no published plan price to compare against a team’s headcount or program complexity, so organizations should request a quote before budgeting. That makes it harder to assess affordability upfront, particularly for smaller companies weighing a full platform against lower-cost alternatives.

Platforms

Shareworks is available on the web, Android and iOS. The mobile app is focused on account holders’ portfolios and share transactions; administrators are directed to contact their Relationship Manager for support.

Who it's for

Shareworks is a strong fit for private and public companies administering global equity plans, especially those that value custom award and vesting structures, HRIS data sharing, capitalization tracking and compliance-oriented reporting. Employee account tools extend the platform to plan participants. It is less compelling for organizations seeking transparent, self-serve pricing or for individuals who do not already have a Shareworks account.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Custom global plans, several award types and custom vesting rules support varied compensation programs.
• Pros: Forecasting tools and audit-ready reports connect planning with compliance events such as 409A valuations and Section 16 filings.
• Pros: HRIS data sharing, named API integrations and private-company capitalization tracking support broader administration needs.
• Pros: Mobile account holders can review activity and act on shares, with iOS sign-in and data-protection measures.
• Cons: Custom pricing prevents a quick cost comparison before contacting the provider.
• Cons: Mobile features require a Shareworks account, limiting their usefulness to people outside an enrolled plan.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Cap Table Management Software and Equity Compensation Management Software.

• Cake Equity is worth considering for a free starting point: its Free plan includes five stakeholders, a cap table, stock options and SAFE notes, with no credit card required.
• Eqvista suits teams seeking a free cap-table and ESOP option for fewer than 20 stakeholders, with vesting schedules, stakeholder accounts and a data room included.
• Aequitec is an alternative for teams comfortable with paid plans priced in CHF, starting with Grow at 112 CHF a month for 250 shareholders and two ESOP/PSOPs.
• Astrella may suit early-stage teams that prefer a paid annual package and a free trial; its Early Stage plan is $1,200 a year for 0–25 stakeholders.
• EquityList is a web-based alternative with a free plan for up to 10 stakeholders, suited to a small team looking for a no-cost entry point.
• Ledgy offers a free Launch plan capped at 50 stakeholders, with equity plans and grants, simple vesting and a flexible multi-entry cap table.
• Mantle is another option to consider.

Verdict

Choose Shareworks if your company needs flexible global equity-plan administration paired with forecasting, compliance reporting and employee account tools. Its strongest reason to choose is the breadth of those connected capabilities; its main reason to look elsewhere is custom pricing, especially if a free or clearly priced alternative better fits a smaller program.