Trump, proxies and proposals: What’s changing for the 2026 proxy season

Trust and credibility remain central to ESG reporting, says governance researcher

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman speaks to Gaizka Ormazabal, associate dean for Research at IESE Business School in Barcelona, about his latest research [https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4986621] which examines the mechanisms underpinning trust and credibility in sustainability reporting. With his research cited in final rulings by the SEC and the European Securities and Markets Authority, he explains the real-world effects of regulatory changes. For example, he explores how new disclosure requirements in the world’s major stock indices can impact corporate behavior and investor decision-making. Through the conversation, Ormazabal also explains the influence of political ideology on ESG regulation, looking specifically at global policy shifts triggered during President Trump’s second term. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Governance teams need to ‘be a journalist, ask the questions’ to get the best from its boards

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman speaks to Davina Stanley, founder of Clarity First Program, a professional development initiative designed to help executives, managers and their teams. It enables them to refine complex ideas, improve communication and secure faster, better decisions from senior leaders and boards Directors often tell Stanley that understanding the board takes a fraction of the time once executives have completed her training. One even said they now spend 90 percent less time understanding the board deck than before. Through the discussion, Stanley advises listeners on how to prevent communication breakdowns across various teams, how to get better board contributions and why governance professionals need to act like journalists to get the best insights and produce the best board materials. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

As market volatility persists, regulators are sharpening their focus on core enforcement actions

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman runs down the latest stories from across the GRC space. Top of the list is the SEC’s director for the Division of Enforcement setting a ‘back to basics’ approach to enforcement policy. We also discuss SEC chairman Paul Atkins sharing his thoughts on why ‘woke priorities’ are slowing IPOs and capital markets, plus the Delaware Supreme Court's reversal in the Moelis & Company case and the implications for stockholder agreements and board authority. Lastly, we explore our latest deep dive on the modernization of capital markets infrastructure and why boards should be prepared for continued scrutiny of post-trade infrastructure. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Trump, proxies and proposals: What’s changing for the 2026 proxy season

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman rounds up the most compelling stories from the end of 2025 well into the new year. From President Trump’s proxy advisor executive order targeting ISS and Glass Lewis to Rule 14a-8, the shareholder proposal rule and how its enforcement is changing for the 2026 proxy season. Elsewhere, California’s AI Bill curbing lawyers’ use of AI, the sharp shift in corporate language around diversity and the review of regulation S-K by the SEC, its clear that the focus in light touch regulation continues at pace in the US. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

From the red carpet: Shareholder engagement and M&A trends

On the latest episode of the Governance Matters podcast, senior reporter Natalie Bannerman takes a closer look at the standout moments and major themes emerging from the 2025 awards season. In a series of conversations with prominent governance leaders, we explore how the industry is evolving and what continues to set the Corporate Governance Awards apart as a benchmark of excellence.  Guests include:  * Brian Breheny, partner at Skadden  * John Kim, assistant corporate secretary and lead counsel at General Motors  * Lori Zyskowski, partner at Gibson Dunn  * Kevin Bohl, senior vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant corporate secretary at Ventas  * Fernando Contreras, VP, chief compliance officer & corporate secretary at Baker Hughes  * Jeffrey Lipschutz, senior director, associate general counsel & assistant secretary at Sallie Mae  * Tricia Hammons, director of governance & legal services, assistant corporate secretary at Murphy Oil  * Hope Mehlman, chief legal and corporate affairs officer at Ally  Across these conversations, they share their perspectives on the trends shaping governance today, from shifting regulatory expectations to the increasing importance of transparency, technology and stakeholder engagement. They also reflect on what makes the awards particularly meaningful for governance professionals: the opportunity to celebrate innovation, spotlight best practices and recognize the teams driving impactful change within their organizations.   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.