The framework for investment
Successful and profitable investment relies on an appropriate regulatory and legal framework. ShareSoc campaigns for the reforms that give individual investors a fair deal.
A system that has not been built for the individual
The Companies Act 2006 is one of the largest pieces of legislation ever passed by Parliament, with layer upon layer of government regulation built on top of it.
Yet individual investors are discriminated against in many ways, because policy has been shaped largely by institutional investors, issuers, financial intermediaries and politicians, not by private shareholders.
ShareSoc sets out the changes we believe are needed, and invites members to suggest new policies or improvements to existing ones.
Three areas for reform
Shareholder enfranchisement
Proper enfranchisement of shareholders, discouraging nominee accounts, to restore shareholder democracy.
Corporate governance
Improved corporate governance, ensuring that shareholders, not management, ultimately control companies.
Legislative change
Changes to the law that protect shareholder rights and make it possible to pursue errant companies and directors.
The principles we campaign for
- Restore corporate oversight to owners through stronger shareholder democracy and rights
- Change legal frameworks to improve accountability
- Reform the taxation of investment profits for greater equity and less complexity
- Restrain excessive director remuneration
- Encourage direct share ownership
- Improve investment education
- Improve the flow of shareholder information, with equal access for all investors
- Reform insolvency law
- Strengthen stock-market regulation, particularly of the AIM market
The ShareSoc Manifesto
In June 2011 we published our Manifesto, which summarises our policies, explains why they are needed and provides more detail on specific proposals.
It is contained in this PDF document: Manifesto (click the link to open).
Shareholder Committees
In September 2011 we published a note explaining how we believe shareholder democracy should be improved, specifically in regard to the appointment of directors and their remuneration.
It is contained in this PDF document: Shareholder Committees (click the link to open).
We welcome suggestions from members for new policies, or for changes to those above. Get in touch to help shape the framework for investment.
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