London Stock Exchange ‘optimistic’; CMA scales down merger inspections; ‘golden parachutes’ affect M&As; Trump puts hold on US bribery law.

Analysis reveals that the last decade has seen European CEOs function with much the same pay as they did a decade ago.

AstraZeneca’s chief executive, Sir Pascal Soriot, tops the list with £16.85m, High Pay Centre research reveals.

When pay consultants include existing clients in peer groups for comparison, it results in CEO remuneration rising, research found.

S&P 500 chief executives’ pay rises 9%, according to ISS figures, sparking speculation about pay for top UK CEOs.

Shareholders accept remuneration policies; EU corporate sustainability directive voted into law; when directors become activists.

Proxy advisors challenge pay deal; due diligence directive enforcement needs to be pragmatic; watchdog pauses US climate risk reporting.

Executive pay policy cannot be detached from societal and economic concerns, according to leading City figure.

‘High equity-based pay should be an outcome, not an input,’ according to London School of Economics professor.

There are unanswered questions about the nature of competition between UK and US businesses that need to be considered first.