Ropes & Gray LLP: News & Publications: Keith Higgins Discusses Disclosure and Compensation Challenges at PLI’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation

Related Attorneys

Higgins, Keith F.

Practice Areas

Securities & Public Companies

Keith Higgins Discusses Disclosure and Compensation Challenges at PLI’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation
January 2012

Boston-based securities and public companies partner Keith Higgins participated in Practicing Law Institute’s 43rd Annual Institute on Securities Regulation on Nov. 9, 2011. The conference provided an analysis of the current state of securities, financial regulation, and corporate law and practice. Mr. Higgins spoke on disclosure and compensation challenges during the conference and was also interviewed on the topic with PLI’s program attorney, Laurie Gilbertson. To view a video of the entire interview click here.

On the topic of companies using social media as a means of disclosure, Mr. Higgins comments, “The ease of communication is what makes the challenge for disclosure. Sometimes companies may fail to give the concern they should give in terms of what information is given out.” He also discussed “Say on Pay” noting “In 2011, 75 percent of companies had 90 percent or greater approval for their compensation policies.” Mr. Higgins predicts the program will have two results in the future: “Greater engagement with shareholders about their pay practices, programs and policies and greater disclosure.”