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DFIN's 13th Annual Guide to Effective Proxies

On September 10, 2025, DFIN (NYSE: DFIN), a premier global provider of regulatory and compliance software, unveiled its 13th annual Guide to Effective Proxies. This comprehensive guide serves as an essential resource for public companies seeking to enhance shareholder communication through clear, engaging, and SEC-compliant disclosures.

The Growing Importance of Proxies

In a landscape marked by increased SEC disclosure demands and heightened investor scrutiny, effective proxy statements emerge as critical communication tools. They encapsulate a company's narrative, outlining executive leadership, compensation structures, and strategies for managing responsibilities, risks, and performance. This year's guide reviews over 1,000 proxies from more than 350 DFIN clients, showcasing exemplary cases of effective proxy statements that align with rising investor expectations.

Craig Clay, President of Global Capital Markets at DFIN, emphasizes the importance of transparency and engagement in today's proxy statements. He states, "Today's best proxies communicate performance and purpose to investors to build trust, demonstrate accountability, and clearly show how companies are delivering on strategy."

Key Features of the 13th Edition

The latest edition of the Guide to Effective Proxies introduces expanded sections and practical examples addressing the evolving themes in corporate governance. Key highlights include:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The guide discusses how companies are approaching AI-related opportunities and challenges, including governance responsibilities amidst accelerated AI adoption.

2. Pay versus Performance (PvP)

Innovative visual techniques to illustrate the correlation between executive compensation and company performance are explored, especially under the new SEC regulations.

3. Proxy Design Tips

Comprehensive advice on layouts, digital improvements, FAQs, and checklists to create more captivating proxies is presented.

4. Cybersecurity and Risk Oversight

The guide showcases exemplary practices by boards and executives in disclosing their strategies for cybersecurity threats and overall enterprise risk management to enhance transparency.

5. Human Capital

Sections addressing workplace culture, employee wellness, safety, and professional growth are expanded to reflect their significance in driving long-term value.

6. Sustainability

The guide redefines how discussions around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are framed, balancing investor insights with evolving regulatory requirements.

As Ron Schneider, Director of Corporate Governance Services at DFIN, points out, proxies today are multifaceted documents that serve various purposes – compliance, investor communication, and brand reinforcement.

Achieving Efficiency with ActiveDisclosure

Clients of DFIN utilize ActiveDisclosure, the company’s design-oriented SEC filing and reporting software to create investor-ready proxy statements. This tool facilitates regulatory compliance while enhancing collaboration and accuracy across the document creation process. ActiveDisclosure integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, allowing teams to link data, monitor revisions, and ensure precision from the first draft to the final submission.

Join Us for a Live Session

DFIN invites interested parties to participate in a live session on navigating the Guide to Effective Proxies, scheduled for September 30 at 1 p.m. ET. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain further insights into enhancing proxy communications.

About DFIN

DFIN stands as a leader in global compliance and regulatory software, catering to diverse investment company compliance needs while supporting complex capital market transactions at every phase of corporate development. Their mission is clear: to empower clients with the tools necessary for efficient compliance, thereby fostering transparency and building trust. For more information, visit DFINsolutions.com or connect with them on LinkedIn.