We’re thrilled to announce an expansion in proxy voting rights on the eToro platform to include additional stocks in the global market! Following the successful introduction of proxy voting for US stocks last year — which saw the participation of over 145,000 investors — we received valuable feedback from our eToro community who requested that we add more stocks from around the world. We hope this move will empower you to influence even more companies across the globe.
Investors’ inclination to actively participate in annual general meetings (AGMs) is on the rise. eToro’s Q4 Retail Investor Beat survey, which gathered insights from 10,000 retail investors across 13 countries, revealed nearly one in three (29%) retail investors have participated in an AGM, marking a 3% increase from the June survey. Among these voters, the most common topics are the election or reelection of directors (47%), followed by dividends (45%), share buybacks (34%), and executive pay (30%). This trend underscores a growing desire for active involvement in shaping corporate decisions.
Why does this matter?
Investors represent more than just capital contributors hoping for financial returns. By investing in a stock, you become a shareholder in the company, playing an active role in its strategic decisions and future direction. When you participate in these votes, you are making your voice heard as to how the company should operate.
Traditionally, in order to participate in these votes, you would have to physically attend shareholders’ meetings and cast your vote in person. With eToro’s latest update, you will now be able to take part in these important votes from the comfort of your home. Another step forward in our mission to make the financial market more accessible to our investors!
How it works
eToro is transforming the way investors can participate in the future of the companies they hold shares in by partnering with leading financial services company Broadridge to facilitate proxy voting.
When a company announces shareholder voting on a specific issue or proposal, we will reach out via email to all investors on eToro holding that company’s stock. Sent to the address at which the user registered their eToro account, the email will contain the important details about the upcoming vote:
- Links to information about the issues to be voted on
- Voting deadline
- Link to join the shareholder meeting virtually
- Voting methods: via the proxy vote website
While all shareholders will have the option to proxy vote, you are not required to vote. Also, proxy voting can only be done electronically or by phone, and not by regular mail. Please note that you must own settled shares prior to the record date set by the issuing company in order to be eligible for voting.
Be an informed investor
eToro is committed to empowering its users with the tools and information to make well-informed investment decisions, since we believe that knowledgeable investors are more likely to achieve long-term success. Through proxy voting, we hope to provide you with a more engaging and fulfilling investment journey.
Yoni Assia, eToro’s CEO, emphasises the importance of this initiative: “Retail investors have not always been given the platform, the voice, and the support that they deserve, However, this is rapidly changing — and retail investor access to proxy voting is a crucial step forward in this journey.”
We are very excited about the expansion of this important service, and hope that many of our investors on the platform take full advantage of it.
This communication is for information and education purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice, a personal recommendation, or an offer of, or solicitation to buy or sell, any financial instruments. This material has been prepared without taking into account any particular recipient’s investment objectives or financial situation, and has not been prepared in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements to promote independent research. Any references to past or future performance of a financial instrument, index or a packaged investment product are not, and should not be taken as, a reliable indicator of future results. eToro makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication.