Investors, policymakers, regulators, and customers are increasingly basing decisions on companies’ actions around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. ESG has become both a critical risk and a source of opportunity for large European…
Accounting and financial reporting, Board risk oversight
In a recent EY survey, 66% of top executives and board members of large European companies agreed that “the COVID-19 pandemic has increased expectations from stakeholders that our company will drive societal impact, environmental sustainability, and…
Boards and General Management, Board risk oversight
A value creation mindset
BlackRock was an early leader in offering index funds, which have low management fees and provide investors with market returns and risk levels. Yet Mr. Fink’s own language has been that of an active manager who is skilled…
Investor perspectives on public companies
Corporate directors are keenly aware of the critical nature of corporate culture for a firm’s reputation, performance, and long-term value, but they acknowledge that culture is a particularly challenging area to evaluate and oversee. The Ethics,…
Board and committee effectiveness, Boards and General Management, Investor perspectives on public companies
On December 3rd, Bank Investor Engagement Project participants - bank executives and directors, executives from institutional investors, and subject matter experts - met virtually to discuss how banks and their boards think about purpose at a time…
Conduct and culture, Governance, Risk management and oversight / Banking
This ViewPoints synthesizes discussions with participants in the Bank Governance Leadership Network (BGLN) in the second half of 2021, including a meeting on November 18 in London, on how their institutions are approaching net-zero commitments, the…
Governance, Risk management and oversight, Financial Strategy / Banking
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters have become a boardroom priority for public companies, including those represented in the Audit Committee Leadership Network (ACLN). Regulators, investors, customers, and society at large are…
Board and committee effectiveness, Boards and General Management, Board risk oversight
Companies are facing an ever-growing demand from investors, regulators, and activist groups to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters in their business strategies and to provide transparency about past and planned actions.…
Board and committee effectiveness, Boards and General Management, Board risk oversight
On November 4th (virtually) and 17th (in London), Insurance Governance Leadership Network participants met to discuss how cybersecurity risks and responses have evolved and which risks are of particular concern to large insurers, including the…
Innovation and technology, Financial services leadership and talent, Risk management and oversight / Insurance and Asset Management
Amid fierce competition for talent, compensation committees are assessing whether their pay philosophies are effective in rewarding and retaining skilled leaders. The current wave of volatility is causing boards to consider what circumstances…
Executive Compensation