IROs cannot enjoy the luxury of ignoring politics
IROs are at the frontline for communication and engagement with shareholders. The role is as complex as it is satisfying while navigating the constant turbulence. At any given time, new regulatory requirements, shareholder tendencies or political factors demand a response.
As a public company and transfer agent to thousands of companies, Computershare has a unique perspective on numerous topics IR leaders face. In particular, the economic and social impact of the current geopolitical environment are among several issues that are top of mind for IROs this year.
The rule of thumb in polite society has always been ’politics should be avoided in conversation.’ The IRO does not enjoy this luxury. This, however, is not entirely a bad thing. Many of the topics making headlines, from tariffs to social issues, are the very things stoking opportunities to engage with shareholders.
News about shifting ESG policies or changes to 13D filing requirements can be a good catalyst to set a meeting with shareholders. This is consistent with trends as IROs are becoming a more visible, present voice in the room with investor roadshow efforts.
Take the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape across the world. The current environment is significantly impacting company engagement strategies, driven by shifting views on ESG matters, increased scrutiny of senior management, and uncertainty over future quarters. Despite changes in SEC policies affecting shareholder engagement, interactions between companies and investors engagement remain intense and complex.
The geopolitical and macro-economic environment is influencing management’s priorities, focusing on operational stability and business continuity. Shareholders seek confidence, clarity, and strategic vision, making communication and engagement crucial yet challenging.
Timely and strategic communication is crucial to ensure investors understand the value of their investment and remain committed for the long term.
In 2025, some biopharma companies, particularly small caps, face urgent challenges in differentiating their engagement amid rapid geopolitical changes . In this volatile climate, the role of IR is critical, with fund managers cautious about making decisions based on limited information. Effective communication is key, as long-term investors prioritize quality franchises, strong market positions, and financial resilience.
In the evolving policy landscape or investor agendas, the role of IRO is critical and shareholder intelligence and technology are beneficial tools.
Facing winds of change head on, IR teams must effectively communicate how their businesses have consistently weathered storms and turned market dislocation into opportunities. Timely and strategic communication is crucial to ensure investors understand the value of their investment and remain committed to the long term.
Key strategies include maintaining two-way communication with a broader set of stakeholders, tailoring messages to different investor types, incorporating ESG and governance metrics into storytelling, and engaging early with proxy advisors and key shareholders ahead of proxy season or transactions. This approach helps build confidence and clarity, ensuring that investors stay invested in the company’s story.
In today’s data-informed age, IRO needs to stay ahead of the trends, leveraging tools that sharpen their decision making. This includes the ability to tell compelling stories, connect management with the right investors and gain insights into investor thinking.
These strategic value-adds are elevating the modern IRO role. As IR evolves from a communications function to a strategic bridge between capital markets and corporate leadership, staying ahead of investor expectations and emerging risks is essential.
The Computershare team has compiled ‘Managing the rapid evolution of investor engagment‘ as a guide to help IROs think through many of these current issues – from activist campaigns, policy change, annual meeting planning to considering geopolitical shifts. Join us and engage with other IROs at the exciting Computershare annual US client conference September 17 to 19 in Washington, DC – register today .
Ann Bowering is the CEO of issuer services at Computershare North America
