
Corporate governance in North America is increasingly shaped by institutional investors and the policy frameworks of two proxy advisory firms: ISS and Glass Lewis. With retail voting rates at historic lows, advisory defaults currently dictate thousands of proxy outcomes.
At Kingsdale Advisors, we believe it’s time to restore balance. Greater retail investor engagement can reduce reliance on standardized recommendations, strengthen shareholder democracy, and ensure a broader mix of shareholder perspectives.
ExxonMobil’s retail voting program shows how innovation in voting access can help. Explore our latest insights on why companies and regulators should support new mechanisms to empower retail investors and recalibrate voting power.
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Latest Insights
In the Globe and Mail: "Companies Diverge on Diversity Disclosures, With No Fix in Sight"
As institutional investors increasingly seek greater transparency and robust commitments to diversity at both the board and executive levels, Canadian companies may fall behind in attracting global capital. Kelly Gorman, EVP of Governance Advisory at Kingsdale Advisors, recently offered her insights on the importance of diversity reporting.
In the Globe and Mail: "Canadian Companies Faced Record Number of Activist Campaigns in 2023, Says Toronto Consulting Firm"
The Globe and Mail featured Kingsdale's latest Proxy Season Review findings, highlighting the changes in the activism landscape in Canada and the pivotal shifts that demand every company's attention.
In The Globe and Mail: "Law firm Develops New Tactic to Help Companies Defend Against an Activist Investor 'Ambush'"
Over the past proxy season, Kingsdale recorded an uptick in “Vote No” campaigns. Ian Robertson, CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, expressed concern that these campaigns, which require little cost and transparency, pose a significant threat to corporate boardrooms.

When The Stakes Are Highest, Business Leaders Choose Kingsdale
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* Source: Bloomberg Global Shareholder Activism League Tables FY2025 and LSEG Global Shareholder Activism Review FY2025.
#2025 and 2026 indicate proxy seasons: July 2024 to June 2026.
