Swiss AGM season reveals sharper shareholder scrutiny of boards, pay and auditors
Zurich, 7 July 2026 - At first glance, the 2026 Swiss AGM season appeared to be smooth sailing: approval rates were broadly stable or higher than last year, and failed votes remained rare. But a closer look tells a more nuanced story of institutional shareholders’ voting behaviors. Shareholders became more targeted and differentiated. Board and committee chair accountability continued to sharpen, compensation amounts were increasingly judged critically, and sustainability reports are used more often to voice concerns. At the same time, the independence of the external auditor is emerging as the next area of escalation. In total, 97 agenda items would have failed without the support of anchor shareholders such as families or founders, a sharp rise from 37 in 2025. Of these, 45 were board member elections and 25 votes on compensation amounts.
Previous years
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2025: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2024: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2023: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2022: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2021: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2020: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2019: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2018: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2017: Newsletter
SWIPRA AGM Analysis 2016: Newsletter