I have been enrolled into a stock options programme with my company for roughly 5 years now. The options will only pay out when an event is triggered (IPO or being sold) and not once they have vested.

We’re still 12-18 months away from an event being triggered, but I want to start making preparations now, incase there is a lengthy process.

My question is, what is the most tax efficient way of exercising my right to the options, when the time comes. I would look to cash out immediately and not hold them as shares. My HR team claims that the stock options programme is not the tax efficient UK scheme (CSOP) so I imagine this leaves me open to income tax and NI.

Is there a better way of going about this? I am in the 40% tax bracket so would rather not lose 50% if I can help it.

Is a holdings company a wise choice? What benefits does this give me? Or are there other options for me.

Thanks