[Form 4] Circle Internet Group, Inc. Insider Trading Activity
Circle Internet Group insider filing: Hossein Razzaghi, promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, received equity awards and holds significant Class A common stock. On 09/01/2025 he was granted 55,466 restricted stock units (RSUs) and a stock option covering 102,546 shares with an exercise price of $131.98, both vesting in 16 substantially equal installments over four years beginning 09/01/2025 and conditioned on continued service. On 09/02/2025 2,678 shares were withheld to satisfy tax withholding on vested RSUs. Following the reported transactions he beneficially owns 656,355 shares of Class A common stock (direct), which includes 464,731 shares held outright and 191,624 shares issuable upon RSU vesting.
- Promotion-linked equity awards (55,466 RSUs and a 102,546-share option) were granted, demonstrating management retention incentives
- Clear vesting schedule: awards vest in 16 substantially equal installments over four years beginning 09/01/2025
- Tax withholding reduced issued shares: 2,678 Class A shares were withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon RSU vesting
- Vesting conditioned on continued service, meaning awards are forfeitable if service ends before vesting
Insights
TL;DR: Equity awards tied to promotion with multi-year vesting protect shareholder alignment and retention.
The filing documents a promotion-related compensation package for a senior officer consisting of RSUs and an option grant that vest over four years in 16 installments, subject to continued service. This structure is typical for retention incentives and aligns executive pay with long-term performance by delaying realization of value. The withholding of 2,678 shares to satisfy tax obligations is a routine administrative action and does not change disclosed beneficial ownership policy. From a governance perspective, the grant terms and vesting schedule are material to executive incentives but do not indicate extraordinary dilution or accelerated vesting events.
TL;DR: Grant size and 16-installment vesting show moderate, time-based retention focus without immediate cash impact.
The awards include 55,466 RSUs and a 102,546-share option at $131.98 exercisable through 09/01/2035, both subject to 16 equal vesting installments over four years. This phased vesting smooths potential turnover risk and phases potential dilution. The filing quantifies current direct ownership at 656,355 shares, including 191,624 RSUs not yet vested. The tax-withholding of 2,678 shares upon RSU vesting is a standard net settlement mechanic and reduces the number of shares issued on vesting.