DFIN Releases 13th Annual Guide to Effective Proxies: New Insights on AI, Cybersecurity and Investor Engagement

Comprehensive resource helps companies elevate proxy design, disclosure strategy, and compliance in a rapidly evolving governance landscape

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DFIN (NYSE: DFIN), a leading global provider of compliance and regulatory software and services, today released its 13th annual Guide to Effective Proxies, a comprehensive resource for public companies to elevate shareholder communication with clear, compelling, and SEC-compliant disclosures.

As companies navigate heightened SEC disclosure requirements and growing investor scrutiny, the guide offers practical strategies to transform proxy statements into powerful communication tools. A strong proxy tells a company's story: who is the executive and board leadership, how they are compensated, and how the company is managing its responsibilities, risks, and performance. Out of over 1,000 proxies reviewed, this year's guide showcases standout examples from more than 350 DFIN clients and reflects how thoughtful design and storytelling are helping companies meet rising investor expectations.

"Today's best proxies communicate performance and purpose to investors to build trust, demonstrate accountability, and clearly show how companies are delivering on strategy," said Craig Clay, President of Global Capital Markets at DFIN. "With increased stakeholder scrutiny, companies are now placing greater emphasis on transparency and engagement, and this year's guide provides a roadmap for companies to articulate their governance framework and long-term strategy with confidence."

What's New in the 13th Edition
The latest Guide to Effective Proxies features expanded sections, practical examples, and emerging disclosure themes, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): How companies are communicating AI-related opportunities, risks, and governance responsibilities as AI adoption accelerates.
• Pay versus Performance (PvP): Visual approaches to show alignment between executive pay and company performance under the new SEC rules.
• Proxy Design Tips: Fresh guidance on layouts, digital enhancements, FAQs, checklists and timelines to make proxies more engaging. 
• Cybersecurity and Risk Oversight: Examples of how boards and senior executives are disclosing their approaches to cybersecurity threats and enterprise risk management to meet higher standards for transparency.
• Human Capital: Expanded sections of workplace culture, employee well-being, health and safety, and professional development as drivers of long-term value.
• Sustainability: How companies are recasting their discussions of "ESG", "DE&I" and related topics and balancing investor demand with evolving regulatory frameworks.

"Proxy statements are doing more heavy lifting than ever. They're part compliance document, part investor update, and part brand voice," said Ron Schneider, Director of Corporate Governance Services at DFIN. "This year's guide is full of fresh ideas and compelling examples that help companies bring clarity and creativity to the way they communicate with shareholders."

Proxies Built Using ActiveDisclosure for Better Collaboration, Accuracy, and Design
DFIN clients continue to lead the way with investor-ready proxy statements built using ActiveDisclosure, DFIN's design-friendly SEC filing and reporting software to help companies meet regulatory expectations and stay ahead of disclosure trends. ActiveDisclosure simplifies the entire proxy process, making it easier to create, update, and collaborate. It integrates with Microsoft Office, so teams can link data, track revisions, and ensure accuracy from draft to final file. 

Join us on September 30 at 1 p.m. ET for a live session on Navigating the Guide to Effective Proxies. Secure your spot today. 

About DFIN
DFIN is the leading global provider of compliance and regulatory software and services, fueling end-to-end investment company regulatory compliance needs, complex capital markets transactions, and essential financial reporting at every stage of the corporate lifecycle. Our mission is simple: to empower clients with the software and support they need to stay ahead of public company filings, investment company filings, private reporting, and beneficial owner reporting, while enhancing workflow efficiency. We bring deep expertise to every engagement, driving transparency and collaboration built on confidence and reliability. Learn more at DFINsolutions.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Donnelley Financial LLC