David Gerald

Sias' findings show that although overall governance scores have risen, smaller companies show less improvements than their bigger counterparts.

Raising governance standards of smaller firms for retail investors

This is also critical for small companies, for their long-term sustainability and for the health of Singapore’s broader capital market ecosystem

Modern corporate governance has generally not been designed on the basis of how to create the most innovative organisations. Rather, the guiding principle has been: “How do we protect shareholders?”.
COMMENTARY

Does the existing approach to corporate governance help or hinder innovation?

There is no easy answer, but current thinking suggests that governance practices may have to be tweaked to allow companies to be more flexible and risk-taking

In the UK's Post Office Limited scandal, the lives of thousands of innocent people were ruined because top management and the board assumed a computer system couldn't be faulty.

The UK Post Office scandal holds many important governance lessons

Company directors must understand the importance of exercising true independence, as well as be equipped with a diverse skill set

Financial metrics no longer tell a complete story about a company’s performance and suitability as an investment.
COMMENTARY

A reminder to retail investors to read those sustainability reports

They need to understand not just the terminology but also the issues at stake

Investors queueing at DBS Securities following Clob's closure, which left many retail investors stuck with worthless paper. The launch of SDRs promises to be a better experience.
COMMENTARY

Why Singapore depository receipts are quite different from Clob

ALMOST 25 years after Malaysian shares abruptly ceased trading on Singapore’s over-the-counter (OTC) Clob International market, the local stock exchange is launching a new initiative that will give Si...

Caterer and ground handler Sats hopes to diversify its revenue base in order to better prepare for any future pandemics.

Sats’ WFS purchase represents short-term pain for long-term gain

SHARES of airline caterer and ground handler Sats have recovered slightly in recent weeks, raising a question of whether the market is slowly beginning to recognise the merits of its deal to buy air c...

Milton Friedman (pictured here delivering a lecture at the Singapore Conference Hall in 1980) popularised the idea that companies should maximise shareholder value. That thinking is no longer dominant among companies.

Local market would benefit from companies having a formal statement of purpose

SHAREHOLDERS hoping to learn about a listed company would invariably head to that company’s website and look under the “About Us” section. Here, most companies would include their mission statement ou...

Both Incredible Holdings and Watches.com 
signed deals with common exec director Heilesen to buy major stakes in Golden Ultra.

Regulators can do more about governance lapses at Incredible Holdings and Watches.com

WHEN companies raise the salaries of senior management in the face of widening losses and questions about their business deals — from both external auditors and regulators — are shareholders helpless?...

In a disclosure-based regime, regulators must balance the interests of minorities with those of majorities.

Good corporate governance is about achieving the right blend

MUCH of what constitutes good corporate governance involves issues that are not new. Proper and timely disclosure of material information, ensuring directors discharge their fiduciary duties to share...