The Investor Relations Conference on 3 December 2020 gave representatives from companies listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange the opportunity to hear insights about current trends in the area of investor relations as well as relevant regulatory topics.
Christian Reuss, Head SIX Swiss Exchange, SIX, and Andrea von Bartenwerffer, Head Issuer Relations, SIX, together opened the conference. Sabir Sheikh, Head Listing & Enforcement, SIX Exchange Regulation, provided participants with information on the latest developments in financial market regulation. In his presentation, Alain Picard, Head Trading Sales & Management, SIX, discussed how the trend towards passive investments is also evident on the Swiss Stock Exchange. The event finished with a panel discussion: “Responding to the Changing Investment Environment: Active vs. Passive”.
Ms von Bartenwerffer, the Investor Relations Conference was held virtually for the first time this year: What were your impressions?
Everything worked really well and all speakers provided interesting insights into their respective topics. It is a pity that we were unable to speak to the issuers in person, but I am still pleased that we were able to hold the Investor Relations Conference for the 14th time despite the current situation. I am already looking forward to welcoming everyone back – hopefully in person – on 24 November 2021 for the next Investor Relations Conference.
What were the highlights for you?
All of the presentations were extremely informative. I was interested to hear about the regulatory updates from SIX Exchange Regulation, especially with regard to the new company law and the new Swiss prospectus regime and the topic of active/passive investments was fascinating. The lively panel discussion showes once again how important dialog is between the various stakeholder groups.
Have the requirements or the way in which relationships with issuers are managed changed in light of the current situation?
It was certainly quieter than usual until June – but that was no surprise given we all had to familiarize ourselves with the new situation. We received an increased number of queries about best practice, which didn’t astonish me in these uncertain times. In the meantime, everything has “normalized” again except direct contact with issuers – in-person meetings have now been replaced by MS Teams or Skype meetings.
Thank you Ms von Bartenwerffer!