New company law reform bill: Power to order greater disclosure of exercise of voting rights by institutional investors

Purpose – To address the practical implications of the new company law reform bill. Design/methodology/approach – Explain the objectives of the Bill. Findings – The current government position is a continuing preference for disclosure on a voluntary basis by firms but Clause 866 of the Bill leaves room for alternative action, shared a voluntary disclosure regime fail to deliver progress. Originality/value – In its current draft from Clause 866 embraces the public at large, not just institutional clients, and therefore the latter are tacitly advised to act now rather than later, if its termed are to be binding on themselves alone, to the exclusion of the general public.