Singapore Exchange is inviting public comments and feedback on proposed new measures to strengthen the practices of corporate governance, and rule amendments to foster greater disclosure. Some of the proposed amendments in the consult include:

• For increased transparency and accountability, SGX is proposing the disclosure of Audit Committee’s assessments in annual reports.
   
• The SGX also proposes to introduce the role of a governance adviser to help newly-listed issuers ensure they have the framework and practices of good corporate governance. Newly-listed companies should consider engaging a governance adviser for two years post-IPO to give assurance that the support framework of corporate governance is firmly in place. Where necessary, SGX has the discretion to ask the company to appoint an adviser.
   
• As an added safeguard to the interests of shareholders and investors, SGX proposes to restrict all transfers of shares in a company that is under trading suspension.
   
• Under certain circumstances, a shareholder must notify the company in writing, when his/her shares in the company are pledged. The SGX is of the view that such information and arrangements are necessary for investors to make informed decisions. The shareholder is required to notify the company within two business days when any of the mentioned scenarios occur.

For more proposals,