Financial Services Agency Establishes Consultation Service for Disclosure of Annual Securities Reports Prior to General Shareholders’ Meetings
Tokyo, Japan – September 2, 2025 – The Financial Services Agency (FSA) today announced the establishment of a dedicated consultation service concerning the disclosure of Annual Securities Reports (Yukashoken Hokokusho) prior to the holding of ordinary general shareholders’ meetings. This initiative, publicized today at 5:00 PM JST, aims to enhance transparency and facilitate smoother compliance for companies.
The FSA’s announcement, titled “有価証券報告書の定時株主総会前の開示に関する相談窓口について公表しました” (Announcement Regarding a Consultation Service for the Disclosure of Annual Securities Reports Prior to Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meetings), signifies a proactive step towards supporting listed companies in their disclosure obligations.
Background and Objectives:
Under Japanese financial regulations, listed companies are required to submit their Annual Securities Reports to the relevant authorities. A crucial aspect of this disclosure process involves making these reports available to shareholders in advance of the ordinary general shareholders’ meetings, enabling informed participation in corporate governance.
Recognizing that companies may encounter specific challenges or have questions regarding the timing, content, or procedural aspects of this pre-meeting disclosure, the FSA has introduced this consultation service. The primary objectives are:
- To provide clear guidance and support: To assist companies in understanding and fulfilling their disclosure requirements accurately and efficiently.
- To address potential ambiguities: To clarify any uncertainties or complexities that may arise during the disclosure process.
- To promote timely and accurate information dissemination: To ensure that shareholders receive the necessary information in a timely manner, thereby strengthening corporate governance and investor protection.
- To foster a more efficient regulatory environment: By offering a direct channel for communication, the FSA aims to streamline the disclosure process and reduce potential compliance burdens.
Key Features of the Consultation Service:
While specific details of how to access the service will be communicated by the FSA, it is understood that this consultation desk will serve as a point of contact for companies seeking assistance with issues related to the disclosure of Annual Securities Reports prior to their ordinary general shareholders’ meetings. This may include:
- Clarification of disclosure timelines: Understanding the precise deadlines and requirements for making the reports available.
- Guidance on report content: Seeking advice on the specific information that must be included in the Annual Securities Report for pre-meeting disclosure.
- Procedures for submission and publication: Understanding the official channels and methods for filing and disseminating the reports.
- Addressing unique circumstances: Seeking advice for situations where a company might face particular difficulties in meeting the standard disclosure requirements.
Significance for Investors and Companies:
The establishment of this consultation service is a positive development for both investors and companies. For investors, it signals the FSA’s commitment to ensuring transparency and empowering shareholders with the information needed to exercise their rights effectively. A more informed shareholder base can lead to improved corporate accountability and stronger governance practices.
For companies, this service offers a valuable resource to navigate the complexities of financial disclosure. By providing a direct line to the regulatory authority, the FSA is facilitating proactive problem-solving and encouraging robust compliance, ultimately contributing to the stability and trustworthiness of the Japanese capital markets.
Companies are encouraged to utilize this consultation service should they have any questions or require assistance regarding the disclosure of their Annual Securities Reports in anticipation of their ordinary general shareholders’ meetings. Further details on the operational aspects of this service are expected to be released by the FSA in due course.
有価証券報告書の定時株主総会前の開示に関する相談窓口について公表しました。
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金融庁 published ‘有価証券報告書の定時株主総会前の開示に関する相談窓口について公表しました。’ at 2025-09-02 17:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.