SEC Approves Final Rules on Proxy Advisors

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has voted to adopt new rules requiring proxy advisors to provide companies with access to their voting advice at the same time as shareholders, following a protracted battle over the regulation of investment firms that has spanned several years. According to the SEC the new rules – which also tighten disclosure requirements for proxy advisors – will ensure that shareholders have “reasonable and timely access to more transparent, accurate and complete information on which to make voting decisions.”