SEC Proposed Amendments To Rule Governing Proxy Advisory Firms
As anticipated on November 5, 2019, the SEC issued two highly controversial rule proposals. The first is to amend Exchange Act rules to regulate proxy advisors. The second is to amend Securities Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 to increase the ownership threshold requirements required for shareholders to submit and re-submit proposals to be included in a company’s proxy statement. For a review of my blog on the Rule 14a-8 proposed amendments, see HERE. The new proposed rules are very controversial, but overdue and necessary. I am in support of both rules.
The SEC has been considering the need for rule changes related to proxy advisors for years as retail investors increasingly invest through funds and investment advisors where the asset managers rely on the advice, services and reports of proxy voting advice businesses. It is estimated that between 70% and 80% of the market value of U.S. public companies is held by institutional investors, the majority of which use proxy
