UTAM is pleased to announce that we have joined the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN), a leading authority on global standards of corporate governance and investor stewardship. ICGN is led by investors responsible for assets under management in excess of $US34 trillion in over 45 countries. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

UTAM has also endorsed the ICGN Global Stewardship principles, which set out ICGN’s view of best practices in relation to investor stewardship obligations, policies and processes. The seven principles are:

  1. Internal governance: foundations of effective stewardship
  2. Developing and implementing stewardship practices
  3. Monitoring and assessing investee companies
  4. Engaging companies and investor collaboration
  5. Exercising voting rights
  6. Promoting long-term value creation and integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors
  7. Enhancing transparency, disclosure and reporting

Each year, ICGN sets policy priorities that seek to establish an overarching frame of reference to guide its policy work and policy committees. ICGN’s policy priorities for 2019/20 are:

  1. Promoting long-term investment perspectives and sustainable value creation
  2. Making successful stewardship a reality
  3. Building effective boards amidst the changing boundaries of governance
  4. Protecting minority shareholder rights
  5. Seeking transparency through robust reporting, audit and metrics

Joining ICGN builds on UTAM’s efforts to connect and collaborate with like-minded investors around the world on responsible investing topics. We look forward to supporting the organization’s work and lending our voice towards influencing public policy on matters of corporate governance and investor stewardship.

“ICGN is delighted to welcome UTAM to our global membership. Becoming part of our network signifies a high commitment to effective investor stewardship practice which serves to preserve and enhance long-term value,” says Kerrie Waring, Chief Executive Officer, ICGN. “UTAM’s participation in ICGN also demonstrates an appreciation of how ESG factors impact the university’s investment approach, protecting pension and endowment assets – now and into the future. We look forward to engaging with UTAM and meeting many ICGN Members at ICGN’s Annual Conference in June in Toronto.”