The SEC’s proposal could affect public company approaches to strategy, talent and more.

Current board understanding of the technology is woefully low.

On a scale of 1 to 10, directors’ understanding of blockchain rates at a 4.

There are benefits for shareholders, but possible complications for boards.

In a litigious environment, directors must go beyond D&O insurance for protection.

Boards of large cap companies beware: If your company’s stock price underperforms the market, there’s a good likelihood you’re going to get sued. The bigger you are, the greater the likelihood. And it’s more likely than ever that the lawsuit will claim reputational damage resulting from the board’s failure to oversee this mission critical asset.

The disagreement between the tech giant and the social media platform goes to Delaware.

Allow shareholders a say in how companies approach ESG initiatives.

Shareholders have so many clashing viewpoints that boards and managers need to create more direct lines of communication to help determine a company’s mission.
 
For example, many shareholders, particularly institutional money managers and pension funds, urge companies to put more money behind environmental and social causes, such as cutting emissions and increasing diversity. Others, particularly individual and employee shareholders, continue to prioritize financial returns.

More than one-quarter of respondents are considering midyear adjustments.

Survey shows shifts in ESG oversight and incorporation of goals and metrics.

ESG continues to become an increased focus of boards of directors, with 71% of boards incorporating ESG goals and metrics into overall company strategy and 34% of boards discussing ESG at every or nearly every meeting, compared with 15% pre-coronavirus.

Directors should plan for risks in talent, supply chain, public health and more.

Betsy Atkins, board member for Wynn Las Vegas and Volvo Car Group, explores prominent risks for corporate boards.