Overview of the 2025 Global Securities Class Actions
In 2025, global securities class action litigation saw a substantial recovery for investors, totaling over
$4 billion as unveiled in the latest report by
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. While this amount is notably lower than the
$5.2 billion recouped in 2024, the report highlights ongoing foundational trends impacting the recovery landscape amid a backdrop of market volatility.
The Changing Landscape of Class Actions
The report identifies 2025 as a pivotal year for class action participation, spotlighting increasing complexity with the surge in
AI-related litigation and a noticeable rise in
opt-in actions across various jurisdictions. The findings suggest that investor participation is evolving from passive involvement to active engagement, a trend propelled by the distinct complexities of the current financial environment.
According to Christi Cannon, the Vice President and General Manager of Global Class Actions at Broadridge, the acceleration seen in class action claims and their varying jurisdictions require a precise infrastructure to avoid missed opportunities. Institutions are increasingly turning to Broadridge’s services for managing this intricacy effectively.
Major Trends and Highlights
- - Surge in AI-Related Litigation: The report emphasizes a notable increase in securities class actions centered on AI disclosures, reflecting growing investor scrutiny over corporate disclosures and risks associated with AI technologies.
- - Opt-In Litigation Momentum: There's been a significant uptick in opt-in litigation, especially within Europe, where over 100 collective redress claims were recorded in 2025. This trend, alongside rising support from custodians, showcases a shift in strategies aimed at maximizing recovery potential.
- - Focus on ESG: The emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors fueled an increase in related litigation, indicative of the broader movement towards sustainable and responsible investing practices, projecting a $30 trillion investment in ESG by 2030.
- - Stability in Antitrust Cases: The report finds that antitrust activity has moderated with only four settlements averaging $179 million in 2025, following a prior record from the previous year.
Top Recoveries and Case Complexities of 2025
Highlights from the report showcase several key settlements, reflecting both complexity and the recovery landscape:
1.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Securities Litigation - $433.5 million
2.
BCS PLC Securities Litigation and Fair Fund - $219.5 million
3.
EQT Corporation Securities Litigation - $167.5 million
4.
Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. Securities Litigation - $138.75 million
5.
Earnings from SPAC-Related Settlements: Notably, settlements related to SPACs and mergers represented a significant portion of recoveries.
Additionally, complexities in recovering funds related to these high-profile cases underline the necessity for investors to be well-equipped with the right tools and support systems.
The Broadridge Advantage
With over
1,000 organizations relying on its expertise, Broadridge continues to be at the forefront of optimizing class action recovery mechanisms. Their Global Class Action Services integrate cutting-edge technology and dedicated professional support to not only ensure participation but also enhance investor experiences.
Broadridge's commitment to transparent, timely, and accurate services is highlighted through their proprietary advocacy model, which enables clients to maximize recovery potential while reducing risks.
Conclusion
As we head into 2026, the landscape of global securities class actions remains highly dynamic and evolving. With an increasing focus on AI, ESG sectors, and collective litigation strategies, investors need to stay informed and engaged to navigate these complexities successfully. The Broadridge report serves as an essential tool for understanding ongoing trends and preparing for future opportunities in the class action space.