The
Future of Banking Commission published its report yesterday: see
here (
pdf). This sets out wide ranging recommendations concerning the regulation of banks. Chapter 4 - titled "Culture and Corporate Governance" - contains recommendations under the following headings: boards and directors, remuneration, accounting and auditing, shareholder oversight, credit rating agencies and the adoption of a code of conduct for banking. Some of the specific recommendations include:
- The duties of directors under the Companies Act (2006) should require them to consider the effect of the company's activities on the stability of the financial system as a whole.
- Fundamental questions should be asked about the purpose of the audit.
- Auditors should be asked to attest that banks' accounts represent a "true, fair and comprehensive statement" of the affairs of the company.
- The Stewardship Code for Institutional Investors should be mandatory for those fund managers which own bank shares.
- Non-executive directors should be charged with particular tasks and particular areas where their "challenge" is expected.
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