THE ROLE OF ESG PRINCIPLES IN ATTRACTING INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Keywords:
Key words: Institutional investors, corporate governance, Uzbekistan, capital market, pension funds, shareholder rights, transparency, reformAbstract
Abstract: Institutional investors — such as pension funds, insurance companies, and investment funds — play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in corporate governance. In Uzbekistan, their growing presence since 2017 has significantly influenced how companies are managed and monitored. This paper explores how institutional investors contribute to improving governance standards, increasing shareholder activism, and attracting foreign investment. It also evaluates the challenges they face, including limited market infrastructure and regulatory gaps. The findings suggest that institutional investors are becoming one of the main drivers of corporate reform in Uzbekistan, but further development of the legal and financial system is essential to maximize their impact.
References
1. OECD (2017). Guidelines on Institutional Investors and Corporate Governance.
2. World Bank (2024). Uzbekistan Capital Market Reform Report.
3. Capital Market Development Agency (CMDA) (2025). Annual Report on Institutional Investment Activity.
4. State Assets Management Agency (SAMA) (2024). Corporate Reform and Privatization Overview.
5. Pension Fund of Uzbekistan (2025). Investment Strategy and ESG Integration Report.
6. Ipoteka Bank (2024). Annual and Sustainability Report.
7. UzAuto Motors (2024). Corporate Governance and ESG Report.
8. Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2025). Financial Market Development Strategy 2030.
9. PwC Central Asia (2024). Institutional Investors and Corporate Governance Trends in Uzbekistan.
10. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2024). Sustainable Investment Practices in Central Asia.
11. The Law on Investment and Investment Activity (2019);
12. The Law on the Securities Market (2021);
13. Reports by the Capital Market Development Agency (CMDA) and State Assets Management Agency (SAMA);
14. Data from institutional investors such as Pension Fund of Uzbekistan, UzInsurance, and Investment Funds established under the UzSE (Uzbek Stock Exchange);
15. OECD and World Bank reports on institutional ownership and corporate governance.