Companies Archives

Pandemic drives ESG uptake in corporate Japan

May 21, 2021

Japan’s listed companies are increasing their focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey by the country’s Government Pension …

China energy providers behind on carbon targets

14 May, 2021

China currently accounts for almost 28% of global carbon emissions, almost double the emissions of the United States. In accordance with international trends, most of China’s emissions are generated by …

Diversity vs Climate – Investors face tough decisions at US AGMs

April 23 2021

The number of shareholder resolutions on diversity at US companies has soared this year in the wake of the Black Lives Matter campaign.

In total, 68 resolutions on workplace diversity have been filed to …

UK government dilutes foreign takeover rules

The UK government has peddled back on its clampdown on foreign takeovers of British firms, raising the threshold at which such deals would face government scrutiny.

The National Security and Investment Bill had proposed that any foreign investment of more …

Effectiveness of SRD II questioned in shareholder survey

The directive, launched in September 2020, has been troubled by inconsistencies

Better Finance, the European financial services NGO, has launched a survey of shareholders after the Shareholder Rights Directive II (SRD II) encountered teething issues shortly after launch.

The European …

Uyghur human rights dispute sees investors step up engagement

Global brands “intimidated by the Chinese government”, says action group

Diplomatic tensions over the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China has led to a group of investors renewing their commitment to engage with portfolio companies over suppliers that may be …

BEIS aims to ‘restore’ investor trust in audit and corporate governance

Audits could look at companies’ wider performance, including against key climate targets

A government consultation is seeking views on a series of proposals to reform the UK’s audit, corporate …

sustainability disclosure, climate standards

MEPs pave the way for higher environmental standards

New EU law on due diligence will also cover human rights issues

MEPs are urging companies and investors to focus on sustainability by paving the way for a new EU law that …

Investors warn dual class shares ‘erode’ shareholder rights

Lord Hill’s review recommends controversial structure to make London more attractive

Critics have warned that dual class share structures, set to be introduced on the premium listing segment of the London Stock Exchange …

Guy Jubb: AGMs have lost their sense of purpose

Ex-Standard Life Investments governance head argues meetings should be complemented by continual dialogue

Guy Jubb, former head of governance at asset management giant Standard Life Investments, claims AGMs have lost their …