About the Code
Requirements for Signatories
Becoming a Signatory
List of Signatories

The Australian Asset Owners Stewardship Code (Code) aims to increase the transparency and accountability of stewardship activities in Australia. 

Stewardship refers to the responsibility asset owners have to exercise their ownership rights to protect and enhance long-term investment value for their beneficiaries by promoting sustainable value creation in the companies in which they invest.

The Code is principles-based which allows asset owners to approach stewardship in a manner that is consistent with the spirit of the principles and reflective of their size, resourcing, membership and investment policies.  

Signatories to the Code are required to disclose their approach and outcomes regarding key stewardship activities: voting, engagement, policy advocacy and the selection, appointment and monitoring of external asset managers. 

The Code will make it easier for beneficiaries to see the work that is being done by asset owners on their behalf. It will also assist asset owners who are seeking to improve their stewardship practices. The ultimate goal is for Australian asset owners to take a leadership role in setting the tone for stewardship in Australia. 

Australian Asset Owner Stewardship Code

Media release: Australian Asset Owner Stewardship Code 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Publish a Stewardship Statement on their website on an ‘if not, why not’ basis, that:
  • Includes the date it relates to i.e. for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 or an earlier period for early adopters.
  • Describes how each of the Code’s six principles have been applied, or
  • If one or more principles have not been applied, explains why this is so.
• Once the statement has been published, advise us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and provide:
  • The asset owner’s name
  • Email address and
  • A link to your Stewardship Statement.

Signatories must publish a Stewardship Statement for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 by or before 30 September 2019. Early adoption is encouraged, and depending on the date of signing, initial Stewardship Statements may be for an earlier period or part year. Signatories should notify us if their statement is revised.

Asset owners who wish to become a signatory, may find it helpful to undertake the following steps:

• Familiarise yourself and relevant investment team members, committees, senior management and trustees/boards with the Code.
• Determine what (if any) changes need to be made to your policies, practices and disclosures to comply with the Code.
• Develop a timeline for becoming a signatory.
• Draft a Stewardship Statement (to be published on your website) that:
  • Includes the date it relates to i.e. for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 or an earlier period for early adopters.
  • Describes how each of the Code’s six principles have been applied, or
  • If one or more principles have not been applied, explains why this is so.
• Once the statement has been prepared and published, advise ACSI and provide us with relevant information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., including:
  • The asset owner’s name
  • An email and
  • A link to your Stewardship Statement.

ACSI can provide assistance for asset owners who wish to become a signatory.  For further information about how ACSI can assist, contact at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.