Contents

Adherence to the Stewardship Code

Institutional investors continue to demonstrate their commitment to stewardship by increasing the headcount responsible for engagement, according to the IMAs fourth annual report.

Investor priorities and expectations

Greater focus on board effectiveness and raising the bar on board-shareholder communications are two key priorities for 2014, according to major US investors.

OECD risk management peer review

The OECD has published its sixth peer review of corporate governance describing how various jurisdictions have chosen to implement the Principles relating to risk management.

Benchmarking boards: Europe and Canada

A recent survey shows greater concerns in Europe that directors lack up-to-date industry knowledge, while Canadian directors are more likely to believe a lack of experience as a director impeded their performance.

Kenyan Governance Code for listed firms

Japanese Corporate Governance Code

EU audit reform

Liz Murrall and Lawrence Reed give two different perspectives on the EU’s recent directive reforming the current position with regards to statutory audits.

New Spanish Code of Commerce

Paola Guttierez looks at a new Code which will have significant impact on corporate governance in Spain and which replaces the current regulations which have been in force since 1885.

Engagement in Japan

In the light of the recent Japanese Stewardship Code and the impending introduction of a Japanese Corporate Governance Code, Lesley Stephenson looks at a unique, and very successful, model for shareholder engagement in Japan.