email   Email Us: info@lupinepublishers.com phone   Call Us: +1 (914) 407-6109   57 West 57th Street, 3rd floor, New York - NY 10019, USA

Lupine Publishers Group

Lupine Publishers

  Submit Manuscript

ISSN: 2638-6062

Peer Reviewed Journal of Forensic & Genetic Sciences

Review article(ISSN: 2638-6062)

Corporate Governance Code in Pakistan (2019): A Review Volume 3 - Issue 1

Naheed Sultan*

  • Department of Social Sciences, UK

Received: December 20, 2019;   Published: January 03, 2019

*Corresponding author: Naheed Sultan, PhD Candidate, Department of Social Sciences, UK.

DOI: 10.32474/PRJFGS.2019.03.000153

 

Abstract PDF

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the current regulation of Pakistan in the field of corporate governance. The role of effective corporate governance in any developed or developing countries cannot be denied in terms confident investment and market stability. Pakistan first developed Code of Corporate Governance in 2002 and which got revised in 2012 and finally in 2017. Although the principles and practices of corporate governance are well developed in most parts of the world, however, the available literature on corporate governance issues in Pakistan is still not enough and there is a dearth of commentaries or analysis on the current regulation as being introduced in Dec 2017. Therefore, this paper aims to fill this gap through comparative approach, through documentary analysis, of the revisions to demonstrate the development process of Corporate Governance in Pakistan and to contribute to the ongoing debate on the effectiveness of new regulation.

Keywords:Corporate governance; Code; Pakistan

Abbrevations:SECP: Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan; CFO: Chief Financial officer; CEO: Chief Executive Officer; DTP: Directors training programme

Introduction

The issue of corporate governance and corporate accountability has become a centre of attention from the more that last two decades as a global challenge.1 However, in some emerging economies like Pakistan this concept is still not as developed as other parts of the world like UK2, USA3, South Africa4 and OECD principles of Corporate Governance5. Though, attempts have been made for the development of the code of corporate governance by the regulators and legislators with aim to attract more foreign investment to support Pakistan’s economy and to meet global governance standards, but still need to be more competitive in these standards.6

Primarily derived from UK, USA and South African corporate governance Codes/Laws, the Code of Corporate Governance 20027 (the code 2002) was enacted by Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) which got revised as Code of Corporate Governance 20128 (the code 2012) which eventually revised by SECP as Listed Companies (Code of Corporate Governance) Regulations 2017 (the Code 2017)9. Hence, the corporate governance regime in Pakistan include the Code 2017, the Companies Law 2017 and Pakistan stock Exchange Listing Rules.10

Foot Note:

1See ADRIAN CADBURY, REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 9 (1992).

2The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.

3The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002), Pub. L. No. 107-24, 116 Stat. 745. (codified in sections of 11 U.S.C., 15 U.S.C., 18 U.S.C., 28 U.S.C., and 29 U.S.C.).

4The Kings Report IV on Corporate Governance for South Africa (2016), Institute of Directors SA,

5OECD (1999), Principles of Corporate Governance, Paris, OECD.

6Samza Fatima, Tom Mortimer, Muhammad Bilal, (2018) “Corporate governance failures and the role of institutional investors in Pakistan: Lessons to be learnt from UK”, International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 60 Issue: 2, pp.571-585

7The Code of Corporate Governance 2002, SECP. Pakistan.

8The Code of Corporate Governance 2012, SECP, Pakistan.

9The Listed Companies (Code of Corporate Governance) Regulations, SECP, Pakistan

10Ali Adnan Ibrahim, (2006) Corporate Governance in Pakistan: Analysis of Current Challenges and Recommendations for Future Reforms, 5 Wash. U. Global Stud. L. Rev. 323.

Corporate Governance Code 2017

The Code 2017 is applicable to all listed companies or the companies which are required to comply with the code through their constitutions or licencing requirements. Moreover, this code amended, added some new ideas to the code 2012 instead of presenting a whole new regulation. The Code 2017 divided into fourteen chapters establishing rules mainly related to board of directors, their responsibilities, functioning and committees. Furthermore, emphasis is given to the role and responsibilities of directors along with their capabilities and professional development. The Code also outlined the rules regarding main executive offices like Chief Financial officer (CFO), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Company Secretary.

Foot Note:

11The Code 2017 sec: 3

12The Act 2017, sec: 155.

13The Code 2017, sec: 6.

14The definition of independent directors was part of the Code 2012. Now it is being defined in the Companies Act 2017.

15The Code 2017, sec:7.

16Ibid sec:8.

17Ibid sec:9.

18Ibid sec:10(5).

19The Code of Corporate Governance 2017, chapter III, sec: 10(1).The Companies Act 2017, Section 204.

20The Companies Act 2017, Section: 208 The Code 2017, Chapter V, Sec: 15.

21The Code 2017, Chapter VII, Sec 19-20.

BODs Composition

The Code 2017 has reduced the number of directorships to seven from five (the code 2012) excluding the directorship in listed subsidiaries11. This section is coinciding with the Companies Act 2017 which states that no person shall hold office as a director at the same time in more than such number of companies as may be specified12. Further, section 155 requires that a person holding the position of director in more than seven companies on the commencement of the Companies Act, 2017 shall ensure the compliance of this section within one year of such commencement. Independence of directors is being given more importance as compare to the code 2012, hence, it is must for the companies to have at least two or one third members as independent directors as compared to mandatory requirement of one independent director 13.

Though the definition of independent directors has been excluded from the Code 2017.14 Moreover, they are required to submit a declaration of their independence as explained in the Act, in AGM of every financial year. The cross holding in case of links with other directors of charitable and not for profit organizations are being excluded to have any impact on independence of the directors. Introduction of at least one female director on the board is another positive step to bring gender balance in the BODs.15 Moreover, the code has changed the maximum number of executive directors from one third of the elected directors to one third of the elected board of directors.16 Separation of ownership and controlled in form of two separate offices of CEO and chairman of the board is continued in the code 2017 as in 201217. However, the requirement from CEO to inform all the other directors about their role, responsibilities, power, remuneration, and entitlements, in the beginning of each director’s new term is an addition to the Code.18

BODs Functions

The Code 2017 imposes fiduciary duties on BODs in more inclusive way that is not only towards the company and the shareholders but also to the stake holders.19 These responsibilities include:

a. Identification, management, policies, and implementation of effective internal controls for governance of risk.

b. Placement of effective, annual performance evaluation system for directors as well as for BODs itself.

c. Implementation of a formal code of conduct to promote ethical culture and to avoid any conflict of interest with the company.

d. To maintain complete record of key policies like HR policies, risk management, fee/remuneration of executive or independent directors or whistle blowing.

The related party transactions need to be presented before audit committee and to the BODs for review or approval according to the Act in special resolution.20 Directors training programme (DTP) from SECP approved institutes is continued with addition of 100% directors training up to 2021 with a new mandatory requirement of DTR for at least one female executive and one head of department every year from June 2019.21 All the directors are required to attend the AGM and for the meeting called for the conflict of interest of any directors the presence of at least two independent directors is mandatory.

BODs Committees

For the assistance and efficient use of BODs time two mandatory i.e. audit committee, and HR committee along with two non-mandatory committees i.e. nomination and risk management committees are required by the code 2017.22 Audit committee is required to be composed of at least three members including non-executive directors and at least one independent director and should be chaired by independent director. “Financial Literacy” is the new condition introduced regarding the qualification of at least one member of the board.23 The Code 2017 requires CFO and the chairman not to attend the audit committee’s meeting except requested. In contrary to the code 2012 the new code requires the circulation of meeting minutes to CFO only if required not as compulsion as is the previous code.24

HR and remuneration committee which was encouraged in the code 2012 is now mandatory in the code 2017 which is required to meet at least once in a year and chaired by an independent director. Like audit Committee CEO and the Chairman are excluded from Hr& R meeting except required. The terms of reference are to be determined by the BODs.25 Nomination and risk management committees are non-mandatory and new requirements of the Code 2017. The composition and terms of reference are left for the BODs to determine and decide for these committees except some for risk management committee like internal control monitoring, risk mitigation and disclosure of company’s risk policies.26

Chief Offices of a company

Moreover, the code 2017 explained the function and requirements of the main executive offices of a company like chief financial officer (CFO), company secretory, and head of internal audit. BODs are responsible for appointment and removal of these executive officers except the head of internal audit can only be removed by the recommendation made by the audit committee.27 The eligibility criteria for appointment of CFO and head of internal audit have been amended in the new code which requires experience from three to seven years depending upon the membership of any professional body of accountants established, managed or recognised by Pakistan.28 No person shall be appointed as the Company Secretary unless he holds the qualification as specified under the relevant regulations29 by the SECP.30

Hence, this code is based on ‘comply or explain’31 principle, thus, gives the right to the companies to apply for relaxation of the rules to SECP in case of non-compliance with fee and reasons for such non-compliance. If deems fit, SECP can relax the rules for the request.32 The code 2017 states the non-compliance of this code the penalties will be determined according to the Act 2017 which states that a contravention of any regulation shall be punishable with a penalty which may extend to Rs 5 million and, where the contravention is a continuing one, with a further penalty which may extend to Rs 100,000 for every day after the first during which such contravention continues33 [1-5].

Foot Note:

22The Code 2017, Chapter X

23The Code 2017, Chapter X, sec 28(c)

24bid sec: 28 (2c).

25The Code 2017, Chapter X, Sec 29

26The Code 2017, Chapter X, sec 30-31

27The Code 2017, Chapter VIII, section 21-22.

28Sec: 23-24

29The Companies (General Provisions and Forms) Rules, 1985, Rule 14 (B).

30Sec: 25

31Higgs Report (2003)” REVIEW OF THE ROLE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS”, London: Department of Trade and Industry, 1.14, at 16. (“Listed companies have to report on how they apply the Code’s principles and to state whether they comply with the detailed provisions and, if not, why not. This approach has worked well.”).

32Sec:42

33The Companies Act 2017, Sec 512(2).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of corporate governance regulation in Pakistan is still ongoing which is evident from the reforms done in the last sixteen years. However, the development in regulations and legislation will be of less use if seriousness will not be exhibited for its implementation by rejecting box ticking approach by the companies. Moreover, the convergence of corporate governance rules should only be done in context of social and business environment of Pakistan to be competitive globally (Table 1).

Table 1: Corporate Governance Code 2002, 2012, 2017 in a glance. (developed by researcher)

lupinepublishers-openaccess-Journal-forensic-genetics

References

  1. Ali Adnan Ibrahim (2006) Corporate Governance in Pakistan: Analysis of Current Challenges and Recommendations for Future Reforms, 5 Wash. U. Global Stud. L. Rev 5(2).
  2. Cadbury A (1992) Report of the Committee on the Financial Aspects of Corporate Governance, London: Gee & Company 2(4).
  3. Higgs Report (2003) Review of The Role and Effectiveness of Non- Executive Directors”, London: Department of Trade and Industry.
  4. OECD (1999) Principles of Corporate Governance, Paris, OECD.
  5. Samza Fatima, Tom Mortimer, Muhammad Bilal (2018) Corporate governance failures and the role of institutional investors in Pakistan: Lessons to be learnt from UK. International Journal of Law and Management 60(2): 571-585.

Codes

  1. Listed Companies (Code of Corporate Governance) Regulations, 2017.
  2. The Code of Corporate Governance 2002, SECP. Pakistan.
  3. The Code of Corporate Governance 2012, SECP. Pakistan.
  4. The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.
  5. The Kings Report IV on Corporate Governance for South Africa (2016), Institute of Directors SA.
  6. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002), Pub. L. No. 107-24, 116 Stat. 745.

https://www.high-endrolex.com/21