On 27 October 27, proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) announced the opening of its 2017 benchmark voting policy consultation period. Following the 29 September release of its 2016-2017 policy survey results, the ISS is soliciting views from governance stakeholders from around the world on proposed changes to voting policies for 2017. The comment period runs until 10 November.
Specifically, the ISS is seeking comments on 15 voting policy areas, seven in the Americas, and eight in Europe and Asia. In Europe these include: European pay-for-performance methodology, director overboarding, non-executive director pay and, specifically for the United Kingdom and Ireland, remuneration, audit, and remuneration committee composition for smaller companies. In Asia, comment is sought on creation of advisory posts (Japan), and director elections (Asia, excluding Japan but including Taiwan). The updates will apply to shareholder meetings on or after 1 February next year, and the final changes will be announced in the second half of November.
