Sustainability Investing Glossary
Stewardship code
A code requiring institutional investors to be transparent about their investment processes, engage with investee companies and vote at shareholders’ meetings.
The first stewardship code was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2010, with the objective of enhancing the quality of engagement between asset managers and companies to help improve long-term risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. In early 2014, Japan was the first country in Asia to introduce a stewardship code. The International Corporate Governance Network has launched a Global Stewardship Code.
Although stewardship codes are not compulsory, they are increasingly viewed as a condition if companies wish to retain business. Japan’s largest pension fund GPIF, for example, requires its asset managers to be a signatory to the Japanese Stewardship Code.
Making better-informed investment decisions
Sustainability investing