On November 5, the US SEC proposed changes to Rule 14a-8 (shareholder proposal rule) and for proxy advisory firms.

The shareholder proposal process is critical to the advancement of ESG integration in the US and the fulfilment of the second PRI principle, active ownership. Proxy advisory firms play a vital role in providing impartial analyses of and recommendations on corporate issues that are important to investors.

If finalized, the SEC’s proposed rules on shareholder proposals and proxy advisers would introduce a major impediment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, which has traditionally depended on dedicated investors engaging with management and access to unbiased and efficient proxy voting advice. 

These rules impact all those who invest in US markets.