It’s not only the United States government that requires publicly-held companies to publish information about their key insiders. When you’re trying to get information about corporate insiders around the world, it’s nice to know that many other countries require disclosure as well. Here’s a quick trip around the world with touchdowns in some key markets.
CANADA
Through the Sedar website, there are at least two forms you can use that report biographical and compensation information for officers and directors. Form 51-102F6 (“Named Executive Officers Compensation”) and the company’s proxy report each provide valuable information about company insiders. Do a quick search here, or visit the company’s website for more information.
UNITED KINGDOM
Besides the company website, Companies House and DueDil are the places to go for information about companies, both public and private, in the UK. For publicly-traded companies (you might see them as “listed” companies), look for the company’s annual report (this one, for example) on their website. Once you’ve downloaded and opened it, slide down to the corporate governance section to see remuneration and biographies for officers and directors.
MIDDLE EAST/UAE
As with most publicly-held companies, the company’s website is the place to go for more information about the directors and executives (see an example here for Abu Dhabi-based Etisalat). One site that I’ve also found particularly helpful for international company research is Bloomberg, which aggregates information in easy-to-read menus.
INDIA
Publicly-traded companies in India are required to post an annual report for their shareholders and potential investors. For those companies that have a website, chances are good that you will find a copy there. In the annual report you will find (amongst other things) a list of executives and directors, the number of shares each hold, directors fees, enterprises controlled by key management personnel, and relevant relatives of key management personnel. In footnotes you will find well-buried treasure such as loans and other perks to directors. Check out these two annual reports as examples.
HONG KONG
Although it’s a very basic search function that costs money, if you need information about a company’s directors in Hong Kong then ICRIS (the Integrated Companies Registry Information System) is the place to go. Once you log in as an unregistered user (or pay the fee to become a registered user), search by exact company name or just a few letters to find the company you’re looking for. Although you won’t see executive compensation or biographies, you will find the names of each director for live and dissolved companies.
OTHER GREAT SITES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
For lots more places to check for company information around the world, don’t forget to check out the HBG Research Resources page. We update it frequently and we love suggestions for additions. Let us know if you have a favorite and we’ll add it to the list!
