Georgeson’s Global Institutional Investor Survey 2024 report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of investor engagement, strategic activism, and ESG priorities. Explore the key findings and learn about global institutional investors’ plans, focus areas and priorities for engagement this year – and what they expect at 2025 AGMs.
Key Findings
- Engagement and Communication
- Off-Season Engagement: 62% of respondents prefer addressing complex or contentious issues during off-season periods.
- Board Access: 52% of respondents indicated a growing demand for direct interaction with board members.
- Strategic Activism and Shareholder Influence
- Substantive Activism: 87% of respondents highlighted financial performance and a compelling strategy as critical factors.
- Openness to Dialogue: 85% of respondents are willing to engage directly with activists to discuss and evaluate proposals.
- Engagement Priorities and ESG
- ESG Materiality: 77% of investors are prioritizing ESG issues with clear financial relevance.
- Regulatory Compliance: 85% of investors expect regulation to be the primary force driving ESG engagement.
- Investor Strategies and Tactics
- Targeted Engagement: 65% of investors will focus on companies where they see the potential for meaningful influence.
- Stronger Stance: 33% of investors are prepared to vote against management proposals if progress is insufficient.