Another AGM season has given issuers plenty to reflect on.
From changing meeting formats and shareholder expectations to activism, executive remuneration and the continued shift towards digital communications, the AGM landscape continues to evolve. At Equiniti, our focus is on helping issuers understand what these developments mean in practice and how they can prepare for what comes next.
At our 2026 AGM Forum, our experts explored the trends emerging from this year’s meetings and voting outcomes, alongside some of the wider governance and regulatory developments likely to influence future AGM seasons.
Engagement starts well before the AGM
One of the clearest messages from the 2026 season is that the outcome of an AGM is rarely determined on the day itself.
Activism, executive pay, and shareholder composition emerged as key themes. While relatively few activist situations ultimately reached the ballot, there was significantly more activity taking place behind the scenes, with companies and shareholders engaging earlier to address concerns before they escalated.
Understanding your shareholder base has therefore become increasingly important.
“Who is on your register really matters.”
Similar resolutions can produce very different results depending on shareholder composition and investor voting policies. Equally, where companies can identify concerns earlier, they may be better placed to address them before shareholders cast their votes.
As our experts put it:
“Companies that can identify concerns earlier are often better placed to address them before they reach the vote.”
For issuers, the lesson is clear: successful AGM preparation is about more than organising the meeting itself. It starts with understanding shareholders, anticipating concerns, and engaging well before polling begins.
AGM formats continue to evolve
The way companies hold their AGMs is another area to watch.
The future AGM may be only one touchpoint in a year-round digital shareholder journey. As discussions continue around virtual meeting frameworks and digital-first communications, companies are beginning to rethink shareholder engagement beyond the traditional annual event. The combination of online meeting technology, electronic communications, and evolving investor expectations could gradually reshape how companies engage with shareholders throughout the year.
Articles of Association are becoming more strategic
The potential changes extend beyond meeting format.
Dematerialisation, possible changes around virtual AGMs, digital communications, and other issuer-led reforms could all create reasons for companies to revisit their Articles of Association over the coming years.
As Karen O'Donnell, Equiniti Governance and ESG Knowledge Manager, explained:
“Articles of Association are becoming strategic governance tools.”
The Forum highlighted more than 350 proposed amendments since January 2023, with boards increasingly treating articles as living documents that can support governance, agility, and shareholder engagement.
Explore our latest analysis of Articles of Association trends here.
Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond
Perhaps the strongest theme is that the AGM cannot be considered in isolation from the wider transformation of shareholder services that Equiniti provides.
Our experts left issuers with this key message:
“Digitisation remains the biggest long-term change. AGM practice continues to evolve. Companies should start preparing now for 2027 and 2028 reforms. And is it time for a health check of your Articles of Association?”
For issuers, the opportunity now is to look beyond the next AGM date and consider how shareholder engagement, meeting formats, voting, and governance arrangements may need to evolve together.
Want a deeper view of the trends shaping the AGM landscape?
Watch our AGM Forum on demand to hear the full discussion from Equiniti’s experts, including the latest AGM trends, voting insights, industry developments, and considerations for future AGM seasons.