Post by Computershare Australia

At the recent Australasian Investor Relations Association (AIRA) AGM Trends Conference, Computershare CEO, Issuer Services ANZ Marnie Reid led a discussion with shareholder activist Stephen Mayne and SIX CoFounder and CEO Adam Verwey on a persistent challenge in Australia’s governance landscape – strong institutional engagement, but weak retail participation. Despite digital communication improving efficiency, awareness and participation remain low, and AGMs can too easily become a compliance exercise rather than a forum for meaningful communication. With an opportunity for investors to participate in the four-week lead up to the meeting, companies should encourage shareholders to vote and lodge questions before the physical or online AGM. Retail shareholders want to be informed, heard and respected. Companies that recognise this and engage early are better placed to build trust and credibility. Shareholder activism is also becoming more strategic. Activists are increasingly engaging outside the AGM period through board and executive dialogue. At Computershare Australia, we help issuers move beyond compliance and focus on engagement that meets shareholder needs. If improving retail participation is on your Board agenda, contact [email protected] #AIRA #AIRA2026 #ComputershareAustralia #Georgeson