Blockchain as an opportunity to upgrade the right to vote in listed companies

Abstract

Voting rights in listed companies have traditionally not reached its potential. Blockchain technology offers an opportunity to foster participation by shareholders. The purpose of this study is to analyze the suitability of blockchain for corporations as a tool to overcome the current model inconvenience. An examination of key aspects, advantages and drawbacks of blockchain technology sets the scene for intertwining with the right to vote in listed companies. Legal modifications within the European Union law context are explained to capture the intention of the EU legislature to promote shareholder engagement. Despite this new movement to engage in more transparency and participated companies, some inconsistencies are still in place. A constructive criticism to the current state of law is necessary to upgrade the corporation decision cycle by technological options to vote in listed companies.