Japan finally ignites foreign investor interest after decade-long governance push

TOKYO -- This June marks the tenth anniversary of Japan's adoption of the Corporate Governance Code, which set rules for shareholder rights, disclosures and more. The code was nonbinding but took direct aim at ineffective boards and encouraged listed companies to be more transparent.
Although change has only come gradually, foreign investors are finally seeing signs of companies becoming more receptive to reevaluating their capital allocation strategies, especially following a series of policy initiatives, as well as pressure from the increasing presence of activist investors.

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Nikkei Asia

08-06-2025

• Nikkei Asia

Japan finally ignites foreign investor interest after decade-long governance push

TOKYO -- This June marks the tenth anniversary of Japan's adoption of the Corporate Governance Code, which set rules for shareholder rights, disclosures and more. The code was nonbinding but took direct aim at ineffective boards and encouraged listed companies to be more transparent. Although change has only come gradually, foreign investors are finally seeing signs of companies becoming more receptive to reevaluating their capital allocation strategies, especially following a series of policy initiatives, as well as pressure from the increasing presence of activist investors.

Daily Tribune

02-06-2025

• Daily Tribune

Leadership shift at Bahrain Bourse

TDT | Manama A new chapter has opened in Bahrain's capital market with the election of Yousif Abdullah Al Yousif as Chairman of Bahrain Bourse, following a complete reformation of the exchange's Board of Directors by royal decree. The leadership change signals a strategic pivot as the bourse sharpens its focus on competitiveness and investor confidence. Strategic reset The board meeting on Sunday marked the first convening since His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, issued Edict (1) of 2025 to reform Bahrain Bourse's board. Alongside the chairman's election, Yousif Abdullah Ali Reza was named Vice Chairman, and new board committees were formed in line with the Corporate Governance Code. The revamped board includes Nabeel Saleh Abdulaal, Raed Abdulla Fakhri, Eman Jawad Al Asfoor, Habib Jawad Habib, Fatema Hamad Abul, Abdulla Abdulrazzaq Bukhowa, and Aisha Mohammed Abdulmalik. Pledging alignment During the meeting, the board expressed gratitude to HRH Prince Salman for the confidence placed in them and pledged to align closely with Bahrain's economic development vision. The leadership underlined its aim to reinforce the bourse's role as a key driver of growth, promising to create an investment environment that appeals to both domestic and international players. Chairman Yousif Al Yousif described the appointment as 'a privilege' and committed to working with fellow board members and the executive team to ensure Bahrain Bourse remains 'a dynamic and resilient financial market.' Focus on trust Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse, welcomed the board's appointment and said the diverse expertise of its members would be instrumental in shaping long-term strategy, enhancing transparency, and building investor trust. The leadership reshuffle is expected to shape the next phase of Bahrain Bourse's evolution, as it positions itself more firmly within the Kingdom's broader economic transformation.

Straits Times

29-05-2025

• Straits Times

Industry code to be reviewed to enhance corporate governance, boost S'pore equities market

The review will be undertaken by the Corporate Governance Advisory Committee, which was set up by MAS in 2019. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE - The Code of Corporate Governance will be reviewed to enhance corporate governance practices and disclosures among listed companies in Singapore, said the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on May 29. The review will be undertaken by the Corporate Governance Advisory Committee, which was set up by MAS in 2019 as a permanent, industry-led body to advocate for good corporate governance practices among listed companies in Singapore. The review complements the ongoing work of the Equities Market Review Group, which was launched in 2024 to boost Singapore's equities market, MAS said, without stating the timeline for the completion of the review. Mr Bob Tan, chairman of the advisory committee, said: 'The committee will be reviewing the Corporate Governance Code for its continuing relevance and ensuring that its disclosure requirements are meaningful to both existing shareholders and potential investors of large cap and small and medium-sized (SME) listed companies. 'The objective is to make our listed companies more transparent and attractive in the capital market without unduly over-burdening them with inconsequential reporting guidance or requirements.' The review will be undertaken by two sub-committees. The first sub-committee, to be led by Mr Robert Yap, executive chairman of Swan & Maclaren Group, will consider measures to help the code be implemented more meaningfully. The measures include providing additional guidance and practical examples on implementing the code provisions, in a manner that is suited to companies' operating contexts, such as their size and industry, MAS said. The second sub-committee, to be led by Ms Stefanie Yuen-Thio, joint managing partner of TSMP Law Corporation, will consider new code provisions or guidance on corporate culture, board effectiveness, and risk management in emerging areas, such as artificial intelligence. 'These enhancements aim to strengthen boards' capacities to steer companies through today's rapidly evolving landscape, while continuing to uphold long-term shareholder value,' MAS said of the areas that the second sub-committee will be looking into. MAS deputy managing director of financial supervision Ho Hern Shin said in the statement that upholding high standards of corporate governance is key for maintaining investor confidence. She said: 'Alongside the proposals of the Equities Market Review, companies must continue to maintain strong governance practices and make meaningful disclosures that keep stakeholders appropriately informed.' She added that the committee members' diverse expertise plays a vital role in strengthening the corporate governance framework, and that she looks forward to its recommendations. Alongside some members of the committee, industry practitioners with expertise in the priority areas of the review have also been invited to join the sub-committees. The code was last majorly reviewed in 2018. Since then, the advisory committee has recommended progressive enhancements to the corporate governance framework, particularly in the areas of director independence and remuneration disclosures. But the committee does not carry regulatory or enforcement powers, nor does it provide opinions on ongoing cases and investigations. The current 14-member committee serves a term from 2025 to 2028. Sue-Ann Tan is a business correspondent at The Straits Times covering capital markets and sustainable finance. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.