Beloningsverslagen

Beloningsverslagen are annual disclosures published by Dutch companies, especially listed groups, detailing the remuneration of directors and other top executives and the remuneration policy that governs it. They aim to increase transparency and accountability in executive compensation and to align with governance standards and regulatory requirements, such as EU SRD II and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.

Content typically includes the remuneration policy and how it was implemented in the preceding year. The report covers fixed salaries, short-term incentives (bonuses), long-term incentives (stock options or performance shares), pension arrangements, severance terms, and any other perquisites. It may show how pay levels relate to performance, and often includes a comparison with the compensation of employees or with industry peers, sometimes including a pay ratio.

Process and publication: the report is usually prepared by the management board with input from a remuneration committee, reviewed by the supervisory board, and approved by the general meeting. It is published on the company’s website and included in the annual report or corporate governance section.

Legal and regulatory context: in the Netherlands, listed companies are required to disclose information about their beloningsbeleid (remuneration policy) and beloningsverslag as part of their governance disclosures. SRD II and national rules shape the scope, format, and accessibility of these disclosures, with emphasis on clarity for shareholders and the broader public.

Impact and reception: beloningsverslagen are intended to aid investors and other stakeholders in assessing compensation practices and alignment with long-term value creation. Debates commonly focus on the interpretability of the data, the relevance of pay ratios, and the balance between attracting talent and ensuring restraint in remuneration.