Jennifer O’Hare

How to Improve Disclosure and Promote Better Corporate Governance in Public Companies

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Corporate governance guidelines (“CGGs”) are a relatively recent addition to the corporate governance framework of public companies. In 2003, in response to accounting scandals at Enron Corporation and several other large public companies, the NYSE created rules to improve the corporate governance practices of companies listed on the exchange. As part of that initiative, the NYSE directed listed companies to adopt CGGs and to post their CGGs on their company websites.

Under Section 303A.09 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, companies are required to disclose in CGGs information on seven specific corporate governance topics:  director qualification standards, director responsibilities, director … Read more

Don’t Forget the “G” in ESG: The SEC and Corporate Governance Disclosure

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In March 2022, the SEC proposed rules (the “Proposed Rules”) that, if adopted, will require public companies to include extensive climate-related disclosures in their periodic reports.[1]  According to the SEC, this disclosure will help investors “make informed judgments about the impact of climate-related risks on current and potential investments.”[2]  However, requiring public companies to disclose information about climate-related risks is not enough to protect investors or ensure that they are fully informed.  The SEC also needs to require public companies to disclose additional information about their corporate governance practices, especially those relating to shareholder rights.

In my recent … Read more