RLAM lists framework of opportunities for 2021 AGM season
Following the Investment Association’s outline of its expectations of companies this AGM season, Ashley Hamilton Claxton, head of responsible investment at Royal London Asset Management (RLAM), said:
“We welcome the Investment Association’s (IA) move to publicly apply pressure on companies this AGM season, and the significant implementation of its ‘Amber Top’ analysis. Whilst we will also be closely monitoring the key topics highlighted by the IA (ethnic diversity on boards, climate change and executive pay), RLAM will additionally be paying close attention to how companies operate in a post Covid-19 world.
“Throughout 2020 we observed many FTSE 100 companies implementing pay cuts and salary freezes. This year’s AGM season will heavily revolve around how remuneration committees decide (if at all) to make changes to executive pay and whether they will keep any reformed performance measures and targets in place.
“We may see an increase in companies switching to restricted share plans, setting new vesting levels for share plans, or amending performance measures to offset the negative effects of the pandemic. In our analysis we will be taking into account wider workforce considerations, such as the use of furlough schemes, as a context for committee decisions on executive pay.”
“RLAM also expects to see an increased focus on ESG considerations when agreeing incentive plans for executives, especially those linked to climate change or diversity. This has been a developing practice for the last couple of years and is a noteworthy step in the right direction towards encouraging best standards.”
“Finally, following the Parker Review and targets now set in the UK, we will be engaging with companies on both gender and ethnic diversity. We will also be asking Boards to provide more detail on how they incorporate feedback from their workforce and wider stakeholders into business decisions.”
About Royal London Asset Management (RLAM):
Established in 1988, Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) is one of the UK's leading fund management companies, providing investment management solutions to both wholesale and institutional clients such as not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and the insurance sector.
RLAM manages £164 billion of assets and employs 129 investment professionals as at 31 December 2021. It invests in all major asset classes including UK and overseas equities, government bonds, investment grade and high yield corporate bonds, property and cash.
For professional clients only, not suitable for retail investors.
Issued by Royal London Asset Management Limited, registered in England and Wales number 2244297; authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL.
For press releases about RLAM please click here.
For further information please contact
Lena Nunkoo, PR Manager
- Email: lena.nunkoo@royallondon.com
- Tel: 02032 725 816
- Mob: 07919 171 919