ISS Publication Maintains “Our Proxy Advice is Apolitical”

In a recent publication from Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), President and CEO Gary Retelny notes that ISS is “not an activist or advocacy organization,” rather the organization is, “an impartial, federally regulated service provider to institutional investors who direct and control their own proxy voting decisions.” Retelny goes on to state that recent attacks from state level entities regarding the role proxy advisory firms play in advisory services is misplaced. Retelny highlights the role of ISS is to recommend policies “tailored to specific clients’ unique circumstances and preferences.” Retelny argues that certain ISS clients “recognize that environmental and social factors can be financially material to their investment decisions.” He adds, “ISS’ clients who are long-term investors are particularly keen to understand each portfolio company’s long-term financial viability and seek to analyze the universe of relevant factors and metrics that can drive long-term financial impact, whether from the vantage of risk mitigation, financial opportunity, or a combination of both.” The article emphasizes that ISS, as a federally registered investment adviser, understands the fiduciary duty it must uphold and it works to do so through working closely with clients to tailor advice to each client’s specific needs and goals. 

Click here to read the publication authored by ISS President and CEO, Gary Retelny.