G+C

Earlier this year, the Financial Reporting Council announced revisions to the UK Corporate Governance Code, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability of UK public limited companies. In this fourth and final edition in our series of indigoINSIGHTs on the updates, we focus on how and where boards should report against the Code, the timings of the changes and how compliance will be monitored.

Following the FRC’s publication of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024 and associated guidance, the clock is now ticking for boards to fully understand the key changes and take action to review and update their governance arrangements where necessary. Our latest indigoINSIGHT explores the next steps for boards to consider in preparation for the new requirements.

The FRC have announced revisions to the UK Corporate Governance Code to enhance transparency and accountability for UK public limited companies, aiming to foster growth and competitiveness and attract investment. Key changes include clarifying reporting focus on board decisions, promoting diversity, strengthening risk management and introducing malus and clawback clauses in directors’ contracts. The revised Code will come into effect for financial years starting on or after 1 January 2025.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced a new corporate offence (s199) – ‘failure to prevent fraud’. The offence, targeting large organisations, aims to protect victims, improve corporate culture, and could result in severe penalties, including an unlimited fine. Boards are advised to act now to ensure they have ‘reasonable procedures’ in place to mitigate fraud risks and provide them with a defence if necessary.