January 2026
Companies are increasingly willing to exclude shareholder proposals from proxy statements, signaling a more assertive approach following the SEC’s withdrawal of no-action relief.
Major investors are publicly distancing themselves from proxy advisor voting recommendations, adding a new layer of complexity and uncertainty to the voting landscape.
Recent SEC commentary suggests more sweeping changes to disclosure rules and shareholder engagement practices could be on the horizon.
As nomination windows open, activist pressure is building, with early-stage positioning setting the tone for potential escalation later in the proxy season.