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- FCA Consults on Fund Product Information and Cost Disclosure CP24/30 – ShareSoc Responds
- FRC Consults on UK Stewardship Code – ShareSoc Responds
- FCA Consultation – Modernising Redress
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- ShareSoc Evidence to Lords on FCA Enforcement
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- UK ISA: ShareSoc submits consultation response
- FCA Consultation on Enforcement Practice & Transparency
- ShareSoc response to House of Commons Education Select Committee
- UKSA and ShareSoc Submission to Labour Party Review of Financial Services
- FCA Consultation GC23/2 Financial Promotions on Social Media
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DIRECT LINE INSURANCE GROUP PLC (DLG)
Blog posts
Portfolio Review 2024 – Mark Bentley
Post Date: January 25, 2025
Introduction
This is now my fifth annual comprehensive portfolio review. See my 2020 review for an explanation of my investment objectives, strategy, "asset types" and investment accounts. My 2023 review can be found here.
In 2024 my portfolio's underperformance of my FTSE All-Share total return benchmark continued, albeit more modestly. My total return was 7.7% vs 9.8% for the benchmark. I may have to review my strategy if this underperformance continues in 2025 - but it may simply be a consequence of the ...
Portfolio Review 2023 – Mark Bentley
Post Date: January 23, 2024
This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc.
Introduction
This is now my fourth annual comprehensive portfolio review. See my 2020 review for an explanation of my investment objectives, strategy, "asset types" and investment accounts. My 2022 review can be found here.
2023 was again a difficult and disappointing rollercoaster year. For the second consecutive year my results underperformed my FTSE All-share total return benchmark. See "Results Breakdown" below for the gory details.
At least this year my aggregate ...
The Future Value of Money
Post Date: February 28, 2017
The future value of money was a question highlighted by a Government decision yesterday. The discount rate to be applied to awards to road accident victims and others, to ensure they always have enough to support their future needs, is to be changed to -0.75% (that's minus 0.75%). Previously, and for many years, it has been assumed that they could invest a cash lump sum at a rate of plus 2.5%. That was on the assumption that they could invest in ...
Leaders and Laggards
Direct Line Group: How Not to Do Covid-19 Affected AGMs
Post Date: April 24, 2020
In common with many other companies, Direct Line Group has "taken the easy way out" of handling its AGM when shareholders cannot attend in person due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In this announcement of 21st April, Direct Line confirms that shareholders will not be able to physically access their AGM. Only proxy votes may be submitted. Direct line also say:
Shareholders may send any questions about the business of the AGM to the Company Secretary at the Company's registered office or by email to ...
Corporate Remuneration Reports
Direct Line Insurance Remuneration Report 2016
Post Date: April 25, 2016
Attached is the Manifest Report. Manifest Executive Remuneration Assessment grade 'C’ (on scale A =good to F=awful) Manifest has assessed the Company’s disclosures against the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code, institutional investor guidelines and the disclosure requirements set out in both the Companies Acts and the UKLA Listing Rules. The following items have been identified which may be of interest to shareholders:
There is a weak alignment of interests between executives and shareholders. 2016 Annual bonus targets are not disclosed ...
Direct Line Group – 2015
Post Date: March 30, 2016
The latest example of excessive remuneration comes from Direct Line Group.
Their “single figure” remuneration table shows the CEO received a total of £4.8m in 2015 (admittedly, down from £5.3m in 2014) and the FD got £2.8m (up from £2.2m in 2014).
Announcements today (see http://www.investegate.co.uk/direct-line-ins-grp--dlg-/rns/director-pdmr-shareholding/201603301000025290T/ and http://www.investegate.co.uk/direct-line-ins-grp--dlg-/rns/director-pdmr-shareholding/201603301758026132T/ ) show yet more chunky share awards for the current year, and substantial vestings from past years.
At the current share price, the value of the CEOs unvested share awards (this is in addition to the ...
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