Dr. Hans-Christoph Hirt
The UK Stewardship Code was truly pioneering when it was introduced in 2010. It was designed to enhance the quality of engagement between investors and companies, thus contributing to long-term corporate success and improving investment returns for the ultimate beneficiaries. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC), which developed it, can be proud that the code’s introduction has been the catalyst for the proliferation of stewardship codes globally. However, with the code’s planned revision, on which the FRC has just undertaken an initial consultation, we must recognise that it has not yet completely fulfilled its purpose and that a market for stewardship remains a hope rather than a reality.