On December 1, 2020, Nasdaq filed a proposal with the SEC to adopt new listing rules related to board diversity and disclosure. The stated goal of the proposal is to provide stakeholders with a better understanding of Nasdaq-listed companies’ current board composition and enhance investor confidence that diversity is being considered when selecting directors.
If approved, the new listing rules would require most Nasdaq-listed companies to have, or explain why they do not have, at least two diverse directors, including one who self-identifies as female and one who self-identifies as either an underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+.
Additionally, all companies subject to the new listing rules would be required to annually provide board-level diversity data, in a pre-approved matrix format, of each of their directors’ self-identified gender, race, and LGBTQ+ status.
Timeline for Compliance
The timeframe to meet the requirements and expectations set forth in the proposed listing rules would be as follows:
- All companies will be required to annually report their board-level diversity data one year after the SEC’s approval of the listing rule.
- All companies will be expected to have one diverse director within two years of the SEC’s approval of the listing rule.
- Companies listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and Nasdaq Global Market will be expected to have two diverse directors within four years of the SEC’s approval of the listing rule.
- Companies listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market will be expected to have two diverse directors within five years of the SEC’s approval of the listing rule.
Failure to Comply
Companies that fail to meet the applicable board composition objectives within the required timeframes will not be subject to delisting if they disclose the reasons for not meeting the objectives in proxy statements or information statements for annual shareholder meetings or on company websites. If a company provides such disclosure on its website, the company must also notify Nasdaq of where the information is available by submitting the URL link through the Nasdaq Listing Center no later than 15 calendar days after the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
Exceptions
Foreign issuers and smaller reporting companies without a director self-identifying as an underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+ would have additional flexibility in satisfying the proposed board composition requirement if they have two female directors. Additionally, in acknowledgement that the definition of underrepresented minority may not apply to foreign issuers, Nasdaq is proposing the option of a separate board diversity matrix format for foreign issuers.
Supportive Resources
Nasdaq will partner with a corporate leadership data solutions provider to aid companies with board composition planning challenges. Through the provider’s platform, the partnership will enable companies that have not yet met the proposed diversity objectives to access a larger community of highly qualified, diverse, board-ready candidates to amplify director search efforts.
Additionally, Nasdaq has uploaded FAQs to assist companies in comprehending and complying with the proposed listing rules.
NYSE Board Advisory Council
In May 2019, the NYSE launched the NYSE Board Advisory Council to address the critical need for inclusive leadership by connecting diverse candidates with companies seeking new directors. The council, composed of 20 member CEOs, leverages personal networks to identify talented candidates interested in serving on boards. Through an exclusive online network and series of live events, the council introduces candidates to companies seeking to expand diversity on corporate boards.
At this time, the NYSE has not put forth a proposal for a rule change similar to Nasdaq.
Future Outlook
These recent actions by Nasdaq and the NYSE reflect the heightened scrutiny companies are under to internally promote and encourage diversity and inclusion, specifically at the board and executive levels. With a new incoming Administration and to-be-appointed commissioner expected to place a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, Nasdaq- and NYSE-listed companies will likely be subject to equal or greater governance and compliance requirements for the foreseeable future.