Swedish Corporate Governance Code – Voluntary Best Practices
Swedish Corporate Governance Code: Voluntary Best Practices for IR Transparency
The Swedish Corporate Governance Code operates on a “comply or explain” basis, setting forth best practices that extend beyond legal mandates. Many investors view adherence as a hallmark of strong governance.
- IR Transparency Principles
– Governance Disclosures: Publish the annual Corporate Governance Report, board and committee charters, and biographies of directors and executive management.
– Explain Deviations: If you depart from a Code provision, provide a clear, public explanation on your IR site. - Accessibility & Format
– Dedicated Governance Section: Create a standalone “Corporate Governance” page linked from the IR menu.
– Machine-Readable Documents: Offer downloadable PDF reports alongside HTML summaries for improved accessibility and SEO. - Timeliness & Updates
– Prompt Posting: Update governance materials immediately after annual general meetings, board changes, or policy revisions.
– Version History: Archive prior years’ reports and highlight changes between editions, enhancing context for analysts. - Stakeholder Engagement
– Feedback Channels: Include contact information for the company secretary or governance lead to solicit stakeholder questions or feedback.
– Interactive Elements: Consider downloadable governance flowcharts or interactive timelines of committee activities for deeper engagement.
By integrating the Corporate Governance Code’s voluntary best practices into your IR website, through transparent reporting, clear explanations, and timely updates, you underscore your commitment to accountability and strengthen market credibility.