Companies Archives

FCA pledges to protect shareholders as fundraising requirements are eased

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has stepped in to protect shareholder rights as it introduces measures to help listed companies withstand from the fallout of coronavirus.

In an announcement on 8 April, the regulator acknowledged that many companies would turn …

Australian energy giant rocked by shareholder rebellion

Santos, one of the largest oil and gas producers in Australia, has suffered a huge revolt by shareholders over its strategy on climate change.

At last week’s annual investor meeting, over 43% of Santos shareholders defied the board and …

A new threat to the stewardship?

For some companies, the ability for shareholders to have a voice is a source of constant annoyance.

For proxy voting agents, such as Minerva, understanding the rules of the game and where the lines are drawn is key.

Shareholder rights …

ECB: COVID-19 The Capital and Pay Response

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and cause economic disruption UK-listed companies are taking action to support their balance sheets and provide financial flexibility. In particular, many companies have adjusted their approach to capital allocations with some also reviewing …

ESG key in Covid-19 fightback, warns ECODA

The chair of the European Confederation of Directors Associations (ECODA) has urged boards to embrace ESG in the fightback against coronavirus and the economic chaos which will likely follow the pandemic.

In an open letter, chair Jan Wesseldijk …

UK companies earn three-month reprieve on accounts

UK companies can delay submitting their accounts to Companies House without penalty for up to three months, the government has announced.

The measure, the latest issued in the response to the Covid19 coronavirus outbreak, is aimed at reducing pressure on …

FCA calls for a pause on company reporting amid pandemic panic

As the UK entered COVID19 lockdown last week, Minerva wrote to regulators asking for their intervention to create an orderly market in AGMs. Today a letter has been sent to quoted companies asking them to clarify their AGM proposals, alerting …

COVID-19 Hits Dividends as Businesses Take Stock

An increasing number of UK-listed companies are cutting or suspending dividend payments in order to preserve cash and protect their balance sheets in response to the economic impact of coronavirus. The suspension of dividends will be a real worry for …

Data, Sustainability risks internal audit

Sustainability risks ignored in company audits, poll finds

The Institute of Internal Auditors said the findings from its annual survey of 630 internal audit executives painted a “troubling picture”.

Many internal audit functions are failing to allocate a portion of their audit plans to certain key risks, in …

FRC reports highlight benefits of Covid disclosures

Companies seek ‘gold standard’ in climate reporting

In February, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) announced what it has called a “major review” of how companies and auditors assess and report on the impact of climate change, with the findings due to be published in the Autumn, ahead …