RiskMetrics Group today released its 2010 updates to its benchmark proxy voting guidelines. These global updates are developed as part of an extensive process that includes broad-based outreach to financial market participants. RiskMetrics\u2019 governance analysts will begin applying the updated policies to all companies with shareholder meeting dates on or after February 1, 2010. <\/p>\n
The 2010 policy updates address the governance issues stemming from a rapidly evolving regulatory environment and ongoing investor frustration with the global financial crisis. As a result, in the U.S., RiskMetrics\u2019 key policy updates address important topics surrounding board accountability and executive compensation, including poison pills, director independence, long-term pay-for-performance alignment and management say-on-pay. <\/p>\n
The entire 2010 global policy updates are accessible through RiskMetrics\u2019 online Policy Gateway<\/a>. The Gateway also contains helpful FAQs, summaries of outreach efforts, and other informational resources to provide all market participants with a better understanding of how RiskMetrics formulates and applies its updates. <\/p>\n