• Investors step up the pressure on Barclays ahead of 5 May AGM
• Shareholders push for more information about how net-zero commitments will be achieved: Shareholder resolutions filed at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial group and separately at Sumitomo Corporation
  
   

• ASX 200 companies on notice: From 2022 ACSI may recommend that members vote against individual directors at companies that fall short on climate risk
• Growing support for the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative
  
   

• Modernising business communications: The government has announced plans to make certain laws technology-neutral

• ASIC extends reporting deadlines and AGM no-action timeline

• APRA has released draft climate guidance for consultation
• Disclosure and reporting (including greenwashing) and cyber resilience flagged among ASIC's top regulatory priorities for 2021
• Life insurance: New professional standards framework launched
• Hayne implementation: ASIC is consulting on draft guidance on new breach reporting obligations breach reporting reforms
• Quality of Advice review will be conducted in 2022
• CHOICE calls on insurer to implement 'fair' fire definitions
  
   

Climate Risk

• Top Story | New expert opinion cautions that 'greenwashing' could expose companies (and directors) to the risk of litigation
• Top Story | New Hutley Opinion: What does it mean for directors?
• Updated Hutley opinion: Superannuation funds have a duty to actively manage climate risks
• Australia is committed to reaching net zero 'as soon as we possibly can': The Prime Minister has reiterated the importance of focusing on 'how' rather than when net zero will be achieved
• Calls are growing for Australia to set more ambitious emissions reduction targets following the Prime Minister's address to the Leaders' summit on Climate
• Government announces funding for a raft of climate project
• In Brief | Engagement sessions: In the lead up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is holding a series of stakeholder information and discussion sessions.  DFAT says that the sessions will provide participants with information about the conference and that the feedback provided will be used to help inform the government's approach to the climate change negotiations and action agenda
• In Brief | Increased climate commitment: The US is aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50-52% on 2005 levels by 2030, Ceres has applauded the more ambitious goal, commenting that it places the US 'on a credible pathway' to achieving net zero emissions by 2050

Culture

• #IStandForRespect pledge: 100+ CEOs have so far signed pledge to end workplace sexual harassment

Cybersecurity, Technology and Privacy

• RBNZ has released cyber resilience guidance

• In Brief | Consultation on consequential amendments to small business insolvency reforms: Following the introduction of new insolvency processes for small businesses at the beginning of the year, Treasury has released proposed draft amendments to primary and subordinate legislation for a short period of consultation.  The proposed changes are intended to support the new insolvency processes.  The deadline for submissions is 7 May 2021