Corporate Governance and Proxy Trends and the New SEC

This session will peel back the results of the most recent proxy season to tease out the important surprises and enduring trends, and then forecast what challenges might be lurking around the corner. The panelists will also discuss the many recent actions and rule proposals by the SEC, on issues ranging from shareholder rights and the proxy process, to disclosure rules on climate and cybersecurity, as well as
reform of 10b5-1 stock trading plans. How will these changes affect board agendas and shareholder engagement? What are the implications of the universal proxy and what are the prospects for reform of the proxy advisory process given the SEC’s decision to rescind the proxy advisory rules passed under the previous Administration? Where are the proposed disclosure rules likely to end up, and how likely are they to be challenged? The panelists will discuss which issues are most likely to draw attention next from the SEC, large institutional investors, and the proxy advisory firms and outline the best strategies for avoiding and mitigating the impact of this scrutiny and pressure.