News
Legislation, 12 September, 2019
Campaigners call for German supply chain law to protect human rights
The German government is under pressure from groups including Oxfam and Friends of the Earth to introduce new legislation regarding global supply chains.
Company law, 11 September, 2019
UK directors’ duties ‘include ESG responsibilities’ says legal expert
Memorandum warns that directors’ legal obligations under the Companies Act 2006 include consideration of environmental, social and governance factors.
UK politics, 10 September, 2019
Governance on the political agenda as general election looms
The last Conservative manifesto put governance issues front and centre; Labour has since been working on a reform agenda. How will these concerns be reflected in a general election campaign?
Investor pressure, 6 September, 2019
US boards increase engagement with investors’ ESG concerns
The number of withdrawn proxy proposals relating to the environment has risen significantly, suggesting boards are taking investor views more seriously.
Regulation, 5 September, 2019
Indian regulators work on new rules to halt auditor exodus
Indian financial watchdog launches consultation on the correct procedure for auditor resignations after a series of high-profile exits.
UK audit market, 3 September, 2019
Auditor resignations indicate new attitude to client selection
A series of high-profile auditor resignations suggest that UK audit firms are becoming more cautious about the companies they work for.
Governance, 28 August, 2019
Debate over ‘shareholder’ or ‘stakeholder’ primacy goes global
The US Business Roundtable’s recent letter saw scores of chief executives sign up to a stakeholder model of governance. Around the world commentators have offered their analysis of the decision.
Board effectiveness, 27 August, 2019
Institutional investors ‘should confront failing chairs’ to fight private equity deals
Chief investment officer at Aviva Investors calls on institutional shareholders to hold leadership teams to account, and for boards to “defend themselves” against private equity acquisitions.
Investment, 23 August, 2019
New SEC guidance increases pressure on proxy advisers over disclosures
US financial watchdog warns that investment firms using proxy advisers must “ensure the use of advice is consistent with their fiduciary duties”.
Executive pay, 21 August, 2019
Shareholders ‘don’t understand executive remuneration policies’
New research shows shareholders tend to approve remuneration policies while rejecting subsequent remuneration reports, suggesting a lack of clarity on how such policies work.