Informed 128 – Autumn 2025
The main feature in this issue of Informed is titled Retail Power. It considers the IR function in this growing market and helps readers prepare for forthcoming regulatory changes.
The 11-page Retail Power feature includes the following articles:
- Putting the public at the heart of public markets. Stacey Parsons explores why investor inclusion matters, and how regulatory and cultural shifts are enabling that change.
- A new chapter for UK corporate bonds: the era of inclusion. As access to corporate bonds is set to widen, Nick Dilworth explains how the FCA’s new framework will affect companies and investors alike.
- Opening up research to private investors. To safely welcome an expanding group of retail investors, certain considerations must be made. Fraser Thorne explains how IR teams can help and educate them.
- Engagement in the digitised world. Michael Tooth considers how future IR technologies could be used to gain insights from a new group of retail and employee investors.
- From background noise to market mover. With regulators around the world catching up with the rise of the retail investor, Mark Hayes considers the decade ahead and equips IROs with tools to stay ahead.
- How to transform your investor engagement. The retail audience is often described as fragmented, but with the right tools, it can be reached effectively, explains Scott Bannerman.
IR Society News
Laura Hayter thanks those who have supported her over many years, and new CEO, Matthew Hall introduces himself to members; in a webinar report, Caroline Dawson and Claire Mogford report on a sell-side research event, explaining why tools cannot replace regular communication; and Simon Wray and Claire Finnegan-Jones share their career insights and explain what they gain from Society membership in a 'member insights' interview.
The Secret IRO
In a letter titled 'Dear CEO, please don't copy your predecessors', the secret IRO writes to their new boss who has recently been appointed by the chairman, and suggests how to avoid pitfalls.
Industry News
In her latest summary of key IR industry developments, Liz Cole reports on the government’s continuing efforts to streamline UK market practices; plus Sallie Pilot explains what has been learned from a year of the Investor & Issuer Forum; and Lucy Fergusson says that the challenges and benefits of digitisation in UK equity markets need to be fully understood by companies, investors and IROs.
IR Notebook
Mark Butler suggests how avoid being added to the ‘too difficult’ pile; Maria Siano argues for AI in adding insight and streamlining the process; Ian Roe highlights increased investor demands for clarity and accuracy; and Sonal R Patel explains how story-telling is changing – and offers tips.
Professional development
Find the latest information about IR Society courses, the Certificate in IR and the Diploma in IR.
Events
With the Autumn events programme already in full-swing, Anneka Finnane summarises the highlights – and gives members a preview of the IR Society’s 2026 Annual Conference.
Services directory
The Informed IR Services Directory features 44 organisations who offer key services to the IR community.
If you have any comments on this issue, or would like to contribute to a future issue of Informed, please email Robert Dann
Published 23 October, 2025