Publication

Dual-class share structures: what pension schemes should know

calendar icon 29 October 2026
time icon 2 min

Authors

Kenny Taylor
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Kenny Taylor

Senior Investment Consultant

Chris O'bryen
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Chris O'Bryen

Investment Associate Consultant

With recent and anticipated initial public offering (IPO) activity from SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI, dual-class share structures are in the spotlight as a potential governance risk. 

With these structures becoming increasingly visible, pension schemes must understand where they might be exposed and what unequal voting rights could mean for their approach to governance and stewardship.

In this publication, we explore:

  • what dual-class share structures are
  • why they create governance and stewardship hurdles for investors
  • how pension schemes can adequately address these challenges

Read our publication

If you’d like to discuss any of the themes raised in this article, please get in touch.

 

Important Information
This communication has been compiled by Hymans Robertson LLP® (HR) as a general information summary and is based on its understanding of events as at the date of publication, which may be subject to change. It is not to be relied upon for investment or financial decisions and is not a substitute for professional advice (including for legal, investment or tax advice) on specific circumstances. HR accepts no liability for errors or omissions or reliance on any statement or opinion. Where we have relied upon data provided by third parties, reasonable care has been taken to assess its accuracy. However, we provide no guarantee and accept no liability in respect of any errors made by any third party.

General Investment Risk Warning
Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

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