News
UK audit market, 8 November, 2019
Auditors struggling to challenge management, says FRC
Financial Reporting Council report warns that auditors are still failing to reach the “necessary high standard” of audit quality.
Regulation, 6 November, 2019
Boards gear up for section 172 disclosures
Directors will be required to submit a “meaningful and informative” statement on how they fulfil their section 172 duties.
Regulation, 5 November, 2019
Thomas Cook review urges action on audit reform and bonus clawbacks
Business committee report into travel firm collapse highlights the lack of progress on audit and calls for strengthened provisions to claw back bonuses.
US regulation, 1 November, 2019
ISS launches lawsuit against the SEC over proxy adviser guidelines
The proxy advisory firm has asked that new regulatory demands be set aside, claiming the watchdog “lacks authority” and its actions are “contrary to law”.
Investor engagement, 30 October, 2019
Sustainable investment set to grow as investors focus on climate
Research reveals climate change is now rated the most important engagement topic by institutional investors, eclipsing corporate strategy.
UK audit market, 28 October, 2019
Big Four accountancy firms see decline in combined audit income growth
PwC, EY, Deloitte and KPMG saw audit income grow by 1.7% in 2017–18 compared with 5.7% the previous year, amid continuing pressure for market reform.
Corporate governance, 25 October, 2019
New UK stewardship code puts focus on investor engagement
Revised code shifts the emphasis from stating policies to assessing outcomes, with ESG and climate named as key areas for companies to take into account.
Disclosures, 23 October, 2019
Investors believe companies are ‘falling short’ on climate reporting
The Financial Reporting Council warns that organisations must “rapidly increase transparency and improve reporting” to meet evolving investor expectations.
Corporate responsibility, 21 October, 2019
UN treaty renews focus on the role of business in human rights
While climate change has dominated the agenda in recent years, a new UN treaty means human rights will require similar attention in the boardroom.
Legislation, 16 October, 2019
Sir John Kingman warns government over unfinished FRC reforms
The author of a review into the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has written to the business select committee to protest that the Queen’s Speech failed to include FRC reforms.