Institutional Investor Advisory Services

IiAS analyses shareholder resolutions to be addressed at AGMs, EGMs, postal ballots and Court Convened Meetings of nearly 300 companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India, and provides voting recommendations on these resolutions to institutional shareholders.

Anil Singhvi is a well-known financial expert in Indian markets and currently runs his own firm, ICAN Investors.

Additionally, SEBI shortened the reporting period – mutual funds were required to disclose their voting decisions on a quarterly basis.

The revision in regulation has been brought in to give public shareholders a stronger voice; it enhances the power of public/ minority investor.

[12] One of the earliest cases IiAS took up was Akzo Nobel's (BSE: 500710 | NSE: AKZOINDIA | ISIN: INE133A01011) proposal to merge some privately owned companies with itself.

[13] IiAS also raised concerns over the sudden return of Narayan Murthy in 2013 to Infosys (BSE: 500209 | NSE: INFY | ISIN: INE009A01021) – one of India's most respected companies.

At the time of his appointment to lead Infosys, Dr. Vishal Sikka was possibly one of the highest paid professionals in India, with an estimated compensation (including restricted stock options) of around US$7.1 million.

[16] IiAS reckoned that Infosys' decision to appoint Dr. Sikka must be looked at as an investment in its leadership that will bear returns in the future.

Non-promoter shareholders in Ambuja Cements raised concerns regarding the deal,[19] and following the outcry, Holcim decided to do a call with the Indian proxy advisory firms to explain the transaction.

[25] IiAS also recommended that Dr. Vijay Mallya not be reappointed to the board of United Spirits (BSE: 532432 | NSE: MCDOWELL-N | ISIN: INE854D01016) – a company he established and later sold to Diageo plc.