Making 'comply or explain' work

THE SGX is gently turning up the heat on compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance.

In January 2015, the regulator released a disclosure guide in a question-and-answer format for companies, zeroing in on specific principles and guidelines that are often not properly complied with.

Then, in October 2015, the SGX engaged KPMG to examine the annual reports of all mainboard listed companies to assess how they are abiding with the Code. Tan Boon Gin, the SGX's new chief regulatory officer, announced that he plans to deal with errant companies using the exchange's new enforcement powers.