Regulation
Sovereign-controlled companies, 2 August, 2017
Easing rules for sovereign-controlled listings ‘detrimental’ to governance
UK plans to free up listing rules to attract sovereign-controlled companies could have a detrimental impact on the region’s reputation for sound corporate governance, warns the Institute of Directors.
Japanese investment, 21 July, 2017
Poll shows Japanese boards hesitate to increase shareholder returns
A Reuters Corporate Survey reveals that under a third of Japanese boards plan to boost shareholder returns this year, despite record-high cash balances and a major slowdown in share buybacks.
Malaysian governance, 13 July, 2017
Malaysian boards urged to establish good governance incentive schemes
Securities Commission Malaysia chairman urges boards to incentivise good corporate governance and prioritise long-term value over short-term profit-seeking.
Chinese governance, 12 July, 2017
Chinese firms see corporate governance improvements, survey shows
A survey of Asian executives shows significant improvements in China’s corporate governance standards, including better transparency.
German gender equality, 11 July, 2017
Germany: New equal pay and maternity protection laws approved
The German government has approved two new laws that seek to increase pay transparency and provide better maternity protection for women, both during and after pregnancy.
Prospectus Regulation, 10 July, 2017
Simplifications for Prospectus Regulation proposed
The European Securities and Markets Authority has published consultation papers on Prospectus Regulation, which aim to make it easier and cheaper for companies to access capital.
Non-financial reporting, 10 July, 2017
New guidelines for non-financial reporting aim to be ‘business-oriented’
New guidelines published by the European Commission on non-financial disclosures aim to encourage growth and provide transparency for stakeholders.
Governance reform Japan, 10 July, 2017
Japan’s boards face criticism over former executives’ retirement perks
After decades of corporate boards in Japan allowing former executives to stay with companies as “advisers” on high pay and perks, shareholders are beginning to demand transparency.
Codes, 7 July, 2017
Revamped UK governance code will have a new focus on culture
A proposed new corporate governance code is likely to highlight boardroom responsibility for culture, and ask nomination committees to play a role in building diversity and an executive pipeline.
Anti-money laundering law, 7 July, 2017
New Zealand announces new anti-money laundering initiatives
New Zealand’s government is cracking down on anti-money laundering, with the aim of shutting down the financing of terrorism across Asia and targeting dodgy bank boards.