Stewardship | EFAMA

On behalf of their clients, asset managers act as stewards for the companies in which they invest, to encourage better governance and improve their financial, environmental and social performance. Investors do so by exercising their shareholders’ rights, and engage with investee companies on issues relevant to the sustainability and long-term performance of the firm. Such issues typically include firm governance, due diligence, executive remuneration and the overall business strategy.

EFAMA adopted a Stewardship Code with principles for asset managers’ engagement with investee companies. We support the development of pragmatic, evidence-based regulation and promote consistency across different pieces of legislation. We contribute to developing the EU sustainable corporate governance agenda and support members with the implementation of the revised Shareholders Rights Directive.

Related policy positions

Policy Position

Stewardship

26 October 2023

Multiple Voting Shares Directive

EFAMA appreciates the European Commission's efforts to bolster the Capital Markets Union and increase the appeal and competitiveness of public capital markets. However, the investment industry wishes to highlight some concerns concerning this Directive. Against this backdrop, it is important to note that the European Union has recently enhanced its corporate governance and shareholders’ engagement practices to fortify financial market stability, uphold capital market integrity and safeguard investors’ interests.

Policy position

Stewardship

Sustainable Finance

09 February 2021

EFAMA response to EC consultation on Sustainable Corporate Governance

Investors would benefit from an EU legal framework with due diligence guidelines and reporting requirements for companies in the real economy. This framework should be consistent with the reporting requirements in the revised NFRD and the disclosures in the Sustainability-Related Disclosures regulation (SFDR). At the same time, any framework for supply chain due diligence should not impose a competitive disadvantage for EU companies.

Policy position

Stewardship

Sustainable Finance

13 December 2018

Promoting Stewardship in a more sustainable world

New rules on multiple voting shares must strike the right balance between issuer and investor needs

The EU’s Listing Act is a key legislative initiative aimed at enhancing the appeal of EU public markets and facilitating capital access for small-medium enterprises (SMEs). That includes a new proposal by the European Commission for a Multiple Voting Shares Directive (MVSD). EFAMA believes it is of key importance to the European economy to ensure that EU capital markets remain attractive and competitive globally, therefore getting these types of initiatives right is crucial.

Policy Position

Stewardship

26 October 2023

Multiple Voting Shares Directive

Press Release

Stewardship

Sustainability-related Disclosures (SFDR)

28 November 2022

Corporate sustainability reporting legislation adopted but still some years of uncertainty ahead for sustainable investing

Following in the footsteps of the European Parliament earlier this month, the Council of the EU has now finalised the legislative process by adopting the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), a move which is very much welcomed by EFAMA. This comes days after the first set of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which give life to the double materiality principle established by the CSRD, were finalised by EFRAG and submitted to the European Commission for adoption.