Technology should make shareholder meetings more accessible. It should not make boards less accountable.

Across global markets, investors broadly welcome the use of digital tools to improve participation in annual general meetings. Remote access can help shareholders attend meetings they might otherwise miss, reduce logistical barriers and broaden engagement. But access is not the same as accountability. An AGM is not just an administrative event. It is one of the few formal moments each year when the board is publicly answerable to shareholders. It is also a valuable opportunity for companies to hear directly from their investors, understand shareholder perspectives and build the trust that supports long-term value creation.

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