OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance
The OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance provide an internationally recognized benchmark for corporate governance. First issued in 1999, revised in 2004 and 2015, with latest revision in 2023. Cover the governance framework, rights of shareholders, institutional investors, stakeholder role, disclosure, and board responsibilities.
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Framework Domains (6)
Disclosure and Transparency
The corporate governance framework should ensure timely and accurate disclosure on all material matters.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| OECD-CG-V-01 | Disclosure of material information — financial, operating results, objectives, ownership, governance |
| OECD-CG-V-02 | Information prepared according to high-quality accounting, disclosure, and audit standards |
| OECD-CG-V-03 | Annual audit by independent, competent, and qualified external auditor |
| OECD-CG-V-04 | Disclosure of sustainability information material to the company |
Ensuring the Basis for an Effective Framework
The corporate governance framework should promote transparent and fair markets, be consistent with the rule of law, and articulate responsibilities among supervisory, regulatory, and enforcement authorities.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| OECD-CG-I-01 | Framework developed with impact on economic performance, market integrity, and incentives |
| OECD-CG-I-02 | Legal and regulatory requirements consistent with rule of law, transparent, and enforceable |
| OECD-CG-I-03 | Division of responsibilities among authorities clearly articulated and serving public interest |
| OECD-CG-I-04 | Supervisory and enforcement authorities with integrity, authority, and resources |
Institutional Investors and Stock Markets
The corporate governance framework should provide sound incentives throughout the investment chain and capital markets.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| OECD-CG-III-01 | Institutional investors disclose governance and voting policies with respect to investments |
| OECD-CG-III-02 | Proxy advisors, analysts, brokers disclose conflicts of interest and operate transparently |
| OECD-CG-III-03 | Insider trading and market manipulation prohibited with effective enforcement |
Responsibilities of the Board
The corporate governance framework should ensure strategic guidance, effective monitoring of management, and board accountability.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| OECD-CG-VI-01 | Board members act on a fully informed basis, in good faith, with due diligence and care |
| OECD-CG-VI-02 | Board treats all shareholders fairly and considers interests of stakeholders |
| OECD-CG-VI-03 | Board applies high ethical standards and considers interests of stakeholders |
| OECD-CG-VI-04 | Board fulfills key functions — strategy, risk, succession, remuneration, compliance, reporting |
| OECD-CG-VI-05 | Board exercises objective independent judgment with sufficient number of independent members |
| OECD-CG-VI-06 | Board members have access to accurate, relevant, and timely information |
| OECD-CG-VI-07 | Principle V.E Board composition and diversity — ensuring diverse skills, experience, gender, and perspectives on the board |
| OECD-CG-VI-08 | Principle VI.C Board oversight of sustainability — integrating sustainability considerations into board decision-making and risk oversight |
Rights of Shareholders and Key Ownership Functions
The corporate governance framework should protect and facilitate the exercise of shareholders' rights and ensure equitable treatment.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| OECD-CG-II-01 | Basic shareholder rights — secure methods of ownership, transfer, information, participation, voting |
| OECD-CG-II-02 | Participation in fundamental corporate decisions — amendments, authorization, asset disposition |
| OECD-CG-II-03 | Effective shareholder participation in general meetings — timely information, agenda, voting |
| OECD-CG-II-04 | Capital structures and arrangements enabling disproportionate control should be disclosed |
| OECD-CG-II-05 | Markets for corporate control should function in efficient and transparent manner |
The Role of Stakeholders
The corporate governance framework should recognize stakeholder rights, encourage cooperation for wealth creation, employment, and sustainability.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| OECD-CG-IV-01 | Stakeholder rights established by law or mutual agreements are respected |
| OECD-CG-IV-02 | Stakeholders have access to relevant information and can communicate concerns to the board |
| OECD-CG-IV-03 | Employee participation mechanisms including performance-enhancing programs |
| OECD-CG-IV-04 | Whistleblower protection for those reporting illegal or unethical practices |
Maps to 21 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance?
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance is a compliance framework from International with 6 domains and 28 controls. The OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance provide an internationally recognized benchmark for corporate governance. First issued in 1999, revised in 2004 and 2015, with latest revision in 2023. Cover the governance framework, rights of shareholders, institutional investors, stakeholder role, disclosure, and board responsibilities. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance have?
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance has 28 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Responsibilities of the Board (8 controls), Rights of Shareholders and Key Ownership Functions (5 controls), Disclosure and Transparency (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance map to?
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance maps to 21 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are ICN Leadership for Change Programme (29% coverage), NHS Healthcare Leadership Model (29% coverage), Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework (29% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance compliance?
Start your OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 28 controls and track your progress.
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