The study highlighted the following areas of concern:
- Cybersecurity and IT: risks and breaches are increasing, costs are rising, investors want accountability, companies need crisis management plans and directors need more information
- Shareholder engagement: investor scrutiny of board refreshment, diversity, independence and compensation is increasing and companies need to be prepared
- Heightened M&A risk: increased deal activity brings transaction risk and the need for extensive due diligence
- Governance and compliance: regulatory compliance has shifted from the implementation of procedural-based rules to an emphasis on investor transparency and disclosure
- Social media risks: increased risk requires oversight and a digital strategy that incorporates social media
This study was released in Corporate Board Member’s annual issue featuring “America’s Best Corporate Law Firms.” Akin Gump is proud to be recognized a “top ten” corporate firm in a survey of more than 500 participating U.S. corporate directors of publicly traded companies.