Balancing Proxy Advisory Influence: The Case for Enchanced Retail Participation

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.