The latest insights from the industry.

As the UK Stewardship Code moves from its 2020 framework to the 2026 regime, firms face a fundamental shift toward outcome-led, long-term stewardship reporting.

Stewardship is no longer just about policies and reporting. Done well, it becomes a growth engine - building trust, confidence, and stronger client relationships.

This year’s AGM season closed with mounting investor dissent. At ANZ, frustration over scandals, executive pay and climate issues drove heavy votes against remuneration and multiple shareholder resolutions. Similar protests played out across banks, miners and tech firms, with investors challenging boards on governance, incentives and climate strategy, signalling declining tolerance for weak oversight and slow progress.

Boardroom upheavals and investor revolts dominated AGMs this fortnight. At Australia’s Wisetech, mass board resignations over founder Richard White’s role and misconduct allegations sparked a 20% share drop and a 49% vote against pay. Reece and Ramsay Health also faced strong pushback on remuneration. Globally, Oracle drew ire for lavish incentives, while News Corp’s dual-share control and Novo Nordisk’s board coup tested governance norms. Even Campbell’s and Cracker Barrel s

While building internal tools can seem practical, purpose-built engagement platforms offer far greater long-term value. They come ready with advanced analytics, automated reporting, and seamless integrations - capabilities that internal builds rarely match. With continuous updates and scalability built in, purpose-built solutions free teams to focus on strategy instead of software maintenance.

Shareholders voiced growing discontent this fortnight, with protests over pay, governance, and climate action across major AGMs. From Fox’s family-controlled board to Nine Entertainment’s pay reform and SGH’s dynastic rewards, investors pushed back. Climate plans at Sasol and Origin split opinion, while Coles faced ESG pressure. Even beauty giants Coty and Estée Lauder saw dissent - proof that shareholder scrutiny is sharper than ever.