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.
Stewardship
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.
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.
EFAMA responds to Consultation for an initiative on Sustainable Corporate Governance
The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) has published today its response to the European Commissions consultation document proposal for an initiative on sustainable corporate governance.
EFAMA Annual Asset Management Report the industry bellwether
The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) has published today the 12th edition of its Asset Management Report*. The report aims to provide a unique and comprehensive set of facts and figures on the state of the industry at the end of 2018 but also to highlight the fundamental role of asset managers in the financial system and wider economy.