The U.K. Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has issued a report that is not only deeply critical of the FCA’s decision to suspend its culture review of banks but also warns of “serious risks” of future mis-selling scandals. Paul Hodgson examines the report’s impact on U.K. bank culture.
Paul Hodgson
Posted inBoards & Shareholders
Women on boards: non-executive progress, executive stagnation
A new study of female representation on boards ranks Norway first, with women comprising, on average, 38.7 percent of total board membership. Switzerland ranks dead last, with average representation of women at just 16.1 percent. Paul Hodgson provides an in-depth look at the results.
Posted inBoards & Shareholders
Is this U.K. Shareholder Spring III?
Amid numerous shareholder revolts at U.K. companies over executive pay, Paul Hodgson examines how, since pay votes became binding two years ago, the shareholders themselves are wasting no time to exercise their power in which might be less of a demonstration and more of a revolution.
Posted inUncategorized
Have your say on the new Sustainability Reporting Standards
Stakeholders have 90 days from 19 April to comment on the initial set of six GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards to the Global Sustainability Standards Board, which has been commissioned to develop and approve the rules. The new standards cover subjects and disclosures from earlier guidance in G4, but will be presented in an improved format. Paul Hodgson has more.
Posted inRisk Management
Oxfam’s Big 10 food companies: progress, but more to be done
An Oxfam report ranking the “Big 10” on seven core issues says firms need to ensure suppliers change their practices to align with commitments; adopt supply chain business models that guarantee power reaches those who produce ingredients; and more. Paul Hodgson has the score.
Posted inFrom the Archive
Is the French governance code about to become more shareholder-friendly?
Image: French financial markets regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers has issued a report comparing countries’ various corporate governance codes, and it looks as if France has some work to do. While the AMF won’t be rewriting France’s code, says spokeswoman Christèle Fradin, it would like their suggestions taken into account, adding that the regulator fully supports stakeholder involvement. Should France be getting cozy with investors? Paul Hodgson has more.
Posted inAccounting & Auditing
FRC: What investors should expect in company records
Stephen Haddrill, chief executive of the U.K.’s Financial Reporting Council, wrote a letter to investors highlighting recent changes to companies’ annual reports and advising investors on what to expect in the coming crop. The report is “intended to be an important source of forward-looking information about strategy and risk,” he says. Perhaps most important, says CW’s Paul Hodgson, Haddrill directs shareholders to challenge companies when they fall short of expectations.
Posted inAccounting & Auditing
New EU auditor rotation rules have auditors playing musical chairs
Are companies ready for new EU-wide auditor rules coming in June? A survey commissioned by Big Four firm EY of 100 senior-level executives and non-executives in the FTSE 350 finds that while a majority, 83 percent, understands the rotation rules, only 42 percent have a plan in place. More than four-fifths said they will be involving investors in this process. “This is a welcome move as investors are essentially the owners of the business and it’s healthy they’re interested in ensuring quality audits,” says Stephen Griggs, managing partner for audit of Big 4 firm Deloitte.
Posted inRegulatory Enforcement
Beyond complying with the Modern Slavery Act
Companies troubling over how to report due diligence procedures on eliminating human trafficking under the U.K. Modern Slavery Act have been given some help. A new guide from U.K.-based civil society organizations advises companies on how to embed such procedures into their reports. Although the reports are certainly important, says CW’s Paul Hodgson, the more important outcome will be whether the practices result in an end to business practices that expose companies and their supply chains to the risks of slavery and forced labour.
Posted inFrom the Archive
Loyalty shares v. one share – one vote: The Florange Act
France will experience a sea change in voting rights next month with the passage of the Florange Act. Adopted in 2014, the Act provides for the automatic granting of double-voting rights to stock held by shareholders for at least two years in a row. Rients Abma, executive director of Eumedion, a Dutch-based corporate governance foundation, says that reactions have not been favorable. CW’s Paul Hodgson reports.