Week 2 - CG codes and regulations;
compliance and fraud
The 2023 OECD Corporate Governance Factbook
The OECD Corporate Governance Factbook 2023 is now available, offering over 100 tables and figures
with comparative data from 49 jurisdictions on ownership structures, regulatory oversight, board
duties, shareholder rights, and sustainability disclosure. Updated biennially by the OECD Corporate
Governance Committee, it serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, regulators, market
participants, and academics to understand national practices and the evolving corporate governance
landscape.
The 2023 edition has four main chapters:
1. Global markets, corporate ownership, and sustainability: This chapter provides an overview of
developments in equity and corporate bond markets, the rise of institutional investor ownership,
trends in initial and secondary public offerings, and sustainability-related policies. It highlights the
increase in sustainability-related disclosures mandated by law or regulation in many jurisdictions.
2. Corporate governance and institutional framework: It discusses the importance of the
institutional, legal, and regulatory framework in implementing the G20/OECD Principles, noting that
corporate governance reforms remain a priority in most jurisdictions.
3. Rights of shareholders and key ownership functions: This chapter details changes in shareholder
rights, including the move towards allowing multiple voting shares, the regulation of related-party
transactions, and the rise of virtual and hybrid shareholder meetings.
4. Corporate board of directors: It covers board structures, independence, committees, risk
management, and diversity, noting the slow adoption of sustainability committees and the varied
approaches to increasing gender diversity on boards.
The Factbook's data is primarily sourced from national submissions and OECD thematic reviews,
aligned with the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance. It reflects the latest
recommendations, especially regarding sustainability, shareholder meetings, and company groups,
and tracks the implementation of these principles across OECD, G20, and Financial Stability Board
member jurisdictions. The document is available for free on the OECD website.
Blume & Isaksson
The OECD has released a new edition of its Corporate Governance Factbook, available online. The
Factbook offers over 100 tables and figures with updated comparative information across 49
jurisdictions. Topics covered include ownership structures, regulatory oversight, board duties,
shareholder rights, and sustainability disclosure. Updated biennially by the OECD Corporate
Governance Committee, the Factbook aids policymakers, regulators, market participants, and
academics by providing a comprehensive overview of national practices and the evolving corporate
governance landscape.
The 2023 edition is organized into four main chapters: global markets, corporate ownership and
sustainability; the corporate governance and institutional framework; shareholders’ rights and key
ownership functions; and the corporate board of directors. It includes 61 figures and 45 tables,
providing comparative data for all 38 OECD members and significant emerging economies like China,
India, and Brazil.
Week 2 - CG codes and regulations; compliance and fraud 1
, The core data comes from direct country submissions and OECD thematic reviews, aligning with the
G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance. The 2023 edition includes new information reflecting
the revised G20/OECD Principles adopted in 2023, focusing on sustainability, shareholder meetings,
and company groups. Sustainability practices are highlighted, with data showing an increase in
sustainability-related disclosures among listed companies, driven by legal or regulatory requirements
in many jurisdictions.
Chapter summaries include:
1. Global Markets, Corporate Ownership, and Sustainability:
Highlights trends such as the growth in institutional investor ownership, the rise of Asian
markets, and the increase in secondary public offerings.
Emphasizes the importance of sustainability-related disclosure, noting that nearly two-thirds of
jurisdictions have established mandatory laws or regulations for such disclosures.
Universe of listed companies, end 2022
Sustainability-related disclosure with 2021 information
2. Corporate Governance and Institutional Framework:
Discusses the implementation of the G20/OECD Principles, with corporate governance reforms
remaining a priority in over 70% of jurisdictions.
Notes the role of corporate governance codes and national reporting on adherence to these
codes.
Week 2 - CG codes and regulations; compliance and fraud 2
, National reporting on adherence to corporate governance codes
3. Shareholders’ Rights and Key Ownership Functions:
Reports a shift towards allowing multiple voting shares and the evolution of frameworks for
related-party transactions.
Addresses the legal frameworks for virtual and hybrid shareholder meetings and the rise in
institutional ownership.
Legal frameworks for virtual and hybrid shareholder meetings (no. of jurisdictions)
4. The Corporate Board of Directors:
Provides information on board structures, independence, and committees, including
sustainability committees.
Discusses the strategic guidance and accountability of boards, external audit responsibilities,
and efforts to promote diversity in board and senior management compositions.
The Factbook can be downloaded for free from the OECD website, providing valuable insights into
corporate governance practices globally.
Week 2 - CG codes and regulations; compliance and fraud 3
