2025 Global Proxy Season Review

The 2025 global proxy season marked a clear inflection point, characterized by consistent overall shareholder proposal activity compared with 2024 (although a reduction in the US), and a re-anchoring of investor focus on fundamental corporate governance and financially material Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.

While engagement and disclosure expectations on sustainability remained high, a combination of regulatory shifts (notably revised US guidance on shareholder proposals), political scrutiny, and investor selectivity led to a recalibration of the shareholder agenda globally.

In summary, the 2025 season signaled a "new normal" where corporate governance practices are under intense scrutiny, and investor stewardship on sustainability is more targeted, discerning, and centered on business-relevant disclosures and engagement over broad-based shareholder resolutions. 

Proactive, transparent communication and alignment of disclosure with recognized global frameworks are now more critical than ever for companies navigating the evolving investor landscape.