The ownership policy consists of eight principles for corporate governance and the companies’ social and environmental responsibility:
- Voting rights. The right to vote at general meetings must be unrestricted. Changes in voting rights must be voluntary.
- Equal treatment. Shares granting equal financial rights should always be treated equally. Minority shareholders must be protected.
- Capital structure. The capital structure should be appropriate considering the profit potential. Capital that is not used effectively should be distributed to the shareholders.
- Company boards of directors. Company boards are appointed by the shareholders. Board members should have the right expertise and a high level of integrity. The composition of the board should promote diversity. Remuneration should be reasonable and market-based, and should reflect the demands set on the board members.
- Remuneration. Remuneration to senior executives should benefit the company and be reasonable, market-based and openly justifiable to the company’s stakeholders.
- Audit and internal control. The auditors are appointed by the shareholders. There are high demands on their independence from the company and its management.
- The environment and social issues. If an operation can be associated with infringement of a convention Sweden would prefer to comply with, the Fund should influence the company. As a final resort and if nothing else works, the Fund should exclude the company from its investment sphere.
- Information disclosure. The operations should seek an open dialogue with the shareholders, with information that is accurate, clear, objective and trustworthy.