Hot Issues Archives

FRC revises corporate governance code

FRC revises corporate governance code January 26th, 2024 The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced revisions to the UK Corporate Governance Code that enhance transparency and accountability, primarily through an update to how boards approach internal controls. The FRC said changes will aim to help support the growth and competitiveness of the UK and its […]

US Republicans file lawsuit over ERISA ESG rule

A group of 26 US Republican attorneys general filed an appeal in their legal challenge to a rule over pension funds’ ability to consider ESG factors when selecting investments.

Exxon sues shareholders over ESG proposal

Shareholder voting rights could be under threat in the US as oil company ExxonMobil filed to sue investors over an ESG vote at its AGM.

IIGCC publishes net zero voting guidance

The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) has published guidance to support investors in developing their own net zero policies and practices.

WWF call for urgent government action on biodiversity

The Worldwide Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) have warned that without major changes by the UK government the food system in England will continue to fail people.

EU diverges from UK on stewardship disclosures

EU diverges from UK on stewardship disclosures January 3rd, 2023 European regulations could deviate from UK rules on stewardship disclosures following responses to a consultation on the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). Asset manager DWS called for greater disclosures on the “quality and quantity” of stewardship engagement in its response to the consultation, Responsible […]

FCA issues guidance on shareholder cooperation for ESG stewardship

FCA issues guidance on shareholder cooperation for ESG stewardship January 2rd, 2024 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published guidance on ESG stewardship engagement and collaboration in relation to legislation on insider trading. The UK regulator confirmed that voting intentions and broader stewardship plans regarding ESG are usually not considered insider information, although shareholders should […]

Japan introduces reforms to boost asset management sector

Japan introduces reforms to boost asset management sector December 21st, 2023 The Government of Japan has published a new policy plan to position the country as a leading asset management centre, including corporate governance reforms. The ‘Policy Plan for Promoting Japan as a Leading Asset Management Center’ is part of Prime Minister Kishida’s initiative for […]

DQ Entertainment fine highlights importance of governance breaches

Three directors of DQ Entertainment have been fined in a landmark ruling for fraudulent and reckless trading and other breaches.

FRC identifies TCFD disclosures as area of focus

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) will include climate-related risks, including Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), as one of its key areas of supervisory focus for 2024/25 financial year.