IR Society News Blogs 30 July, 2021
Awards Entry Deadline Extended Until End of August
The deadline to submit an entry for the IR Society best practice awards will be extended until Tuesday 31 August 2021.
Informed 21 July, 2021
Informed 111 – Summer 2021
This issue of Informed covered the IR Society's 2021 Festival of IR and annual conference.
Industry News 15 July, 2021
Discussion paper issued on diversity and inclusion in the financial sector
The FCA has issued a joint discussion paper with the PRA and the Bank of England on actions to accelerate the pace of meaningful change on diversity and inclusion in the financial sector
IR Society News Consultation Responses 13 July, 2021
BEIS Consultation on ‘Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance’
The IR Society response to the BEIS Consultation on 'Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance'
Industry News 8 July, 2021
FCA launches primary markets effectiveness consultation
On 5 July 2021, the FCA launched a consultation [CP21/21] on a series of proposed reforms to improve the effectiveness of UK primary markets, alongside a discussion of how it might continue to develop the regime to ensure the UK remains a competitive and dynamic market. This consultation follows specific recommendations for improvements to the regime given in both the UK Listing Review, chaired by Lord Jonathan Hill, and the Kalifa Review of UK FinTech. The FCA’s suggested reforms seek to address and build on the proposals in these reviews to ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to grow and list successful companies.
Industry News 8 July, 2021
Changes to Takeover Code come into effect
Last October, the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the ‘Panel’) published proposals to make certain changes to the City Code on Mergers and Takeovers (the ‘Code’) relating to offer conditions, especially those which relate to regulatory and merger control clearance, and the offer timetable (PCP 2020/1).
Industry News 8 July, 2021
FRC outlines necessary action for effective ESG reporting
On 7 July 2021, the FRC published the FRC Statement of Intent on Environmental, Social and Governance challenges. The paper sets out areas in which there are issues with ESG information in companies are to report in a way that meets the demands of stakeholders, how to address some of those demands and the FRC’s planned activities in this area.
Industry News 24 June, 2021
New independent group to help tackle ‘greenwashing’
A new expert advisory group has been appointed by the UK Government. Its work will support investors, consumers and businesses to make green financial decisions. The new independent expert group has been established to advise on standards for green investment. UK Green Taxonomy is part of the Government’s efforts to improve the environment, accelerate the transition to net zero and create green jobs. It is hoped that better data will help companies, investors and consumers to make informed green choices, support investment in sustainable projects and boost efforts to tackle climate change.
Industry News 24 June, 2021
FCA publishes new climate-related disclosure rules
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new proposals on climate-related disclosure rules for listed companies and certain regulated firms, following its latest consultation. The proposals follow the introduction of climate-related disclosure rules for the most prominent listed commercial companies in December 2020 and are in line with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Industry News Policy & Positions 18 June, 2021
Investors ask U.S. SEC for more ESG disclosures as companies resist
Investor groups have asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for more corporate disclosures on climate change and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues while business interests have pushed back, a Reuters review of correspondence published by the regulator shows.
Industry News 10 June, 2021
IIRC and SASB form the Value Reporting Foundation
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) have confirmed they have completed their merger to create the new Value Reporting Foundation (VRF).
Industry News 10 June, 2021
Investor Forum publishes white paper on Governing for Growth
On 10 June 2021, the Investor Forum, whose purpose is to purpose is to position stewardship at the heart of investment decision-making by facilitating dialogue, creating long-term solutions and enhancing value, published a new report entitled ‘Governing for Growth’ which provides a practical guide for smaller and mid-sized developing companies which are listed on public markets.
Industry News 28 May, 2021
FCA proposes more flexibility for SPACs
The FCA has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its Listing Rules for certain special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).
Industry News 28 May, 2021
Glass Lewis overview of Say on Climate votes
Glass Lewis, one of the leading proxy advisory firms, has published a paper setting out its views on Say on Climate votes. The paper notes that ‘Say On Climate’ votes, where listed company shareholders are given the opportunity to vote on climate-related proposals, are becoming an increasingly important part of the 2021 annual general meeting season. Both boards and shareholders are putting forward proposals for votes on climate-related matters.
Industry News 28 May, 2021
Corporate Governance Code increases reporting on remuneration practices
Companies are better aligning their Board remuneration policy and practices with long-term shareholder interests according to new research conducted by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and The University of Portsmouth.
Industry News 28 May, 2021
FRC highlights ‘room for improvement’ in interim reports
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has highlighted that companies need to provide “better explanations” on balance sheet movements in their interim reporting. Ahead of the 2021 interim reporting season, a review by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has highlighted examples of good practice in company’s interim reporting and areas where further improvements are required.
Industry News 20 May, 2021
FRC highlights ‘room for improvement’ in interim reports
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has highlighted that companies need to provide “better explanations” on balance sheet movements in their interim reporting. Ahead of the 2021 interim reporting season, a review by the Financial Reporting Council has highlighted examples of good practice in company’s interim reporting and areas where further improvements are required.
Industry News 13 May, 2021
Corporate Governance Code increases reporting on remuneration practices
Companies are better aligning their Board remuneration policy and practices with long-term shareholder interests according to new research conducted by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and The University of Portsmouth. This research assessed a sample of FTSE 350 companies to determine the extent to which they have applied requirements set by the updated UK Corporate Governance Code in 2020.
IR Society News 6 May, 2021
10 reasons why you should join us at our 2021 Annual Conference and Festival of IR
The IR Society's Annual Conference and Festival of IR will take place in from June 14-18, 2021, and if you haven't booked your ticket yet, here’s 10 reasons why you should be joining us:
Industry News 6 May, 2021
Glass Lewis overview of Say on Climate votes
Glass Lewis, one of the leading proxy advisory firms, has published a paper setting out its views on Say on Climate votes. The paper notes that ‘Say On Climate’ votes, where listed company shareholders are given the opportunity to vote on climate-related proposals, are becoming an increasingly important part of the 2021 annual general meeting season. Both boards and shareholders are putting forward proposals for votes on climate-related matters