New Gladstone Survey Highlights Use of AI in Investor Relations, While SEC Dances on Grave of 14a-8

IR professionals are increasingly using AI tools and some expect significant changes to the profession, according to Gladstone Place Partners’ new survey on how AI is reshaping investor relations. We canvassed IR practitioners, advisors, and industry leaders, and the takeaway is evolution, not revolution.

Nearly 40% of respondents see AI as a “dramatic change” to the profession, while about half say it has really only made certain tasks easier. The use cases are practical: two-thirds use AI to stress-test messaging and three-quarters to simulate investor or analyst questions, with benchmarking shareholder proposals and governance practices close behind at nearly 60%. Practitioners want AI to challenge and refine their messaging, not write it. As one put it, “human input and thinking cannot be replicated by a machine with biases.” Done well, AI frees IR teams for the human work of building investor relationships, exercising judgment, and giving counsel to their respective management teams.

As Matthew Herman of Goldfinch Partners said, “AI can bring different points of view and help pressure-test messaging and potential areas of criticism.” The technology can be used to “check the work product, not generate it” because it’s critical there is always a human “sitting in between the AI tool and the audience,” Herman said.

 

Meanwhile, as forecasted, the SEC is thrusting a silver spike into the heart of the shareholder proposal process. This week, the Commission proposed rescinding Rule 14a-8, the roughly 80-year-old rule governing when companies must include shareholder proposals in their proxy materials. The SEC argues the rule exceeds its statutory authority and intrudes on state law, with Chair Paul Atkins framing it as a recognition that the Commission was never authorized to regulate shareholder proposals to begin with. Obviously, there are plenty of disagreements on the SEC’s interpretation.

“If adopted, the proposals would represent the most significant overhaul of the federal proxy regime in decades,” Simpson Thacher wrote in a note.

Reaction to the news was predictably split. On one hand, the Chamber of Commerce cheered the move while critics called it a transfer of power from investors to management. Council of Institutional Investors executive director Glenn Davis, while conceding the rule “could be improved,” warned rescission would trigger a “patchwork race to the bottom” in state corporate law and sharply cut the number of shareholders who qualify to put proposals forward. New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli called it a shift of power from investors to management.

For those who observe Yom Kippur, have a meaningful, easy fast and G’mar chatima tovah.

The Gladstone team will be out on Long Island’s North Fork next week for our annual offsite, shucking oysters and drinking local wines while discussing how to better serve clients and whether the Jets are ready for a playoff run.

Have a great weekend,
GPP Team

ACTIVISM

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Cravath’s Q2 2026 M&A Quarterly Review covers a wide range of topics, from the rise of divisive mergers and key Delaware case law developments to accelerating activist campaign activity, evolving IRS spin-off ruling practice, expanding FTC / DOJ / state AG merger enforcement, SEC proposals to cut executive compensation disclosure, and more. Read More

Financial Times: Hugo Boss Chair Steps Down Under Pressure from Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group
After Frasers Group increased its stake in the German fashion house with an intent to increase its holding above 50%, Hugo Boss announced that Stephan Sturm will step down and allow for ” an orderly transition in the chairmanship.” Read More

M&A

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The Wall Street Journal: Dell’s DFO-Led Consortium Taking Baldwin Group Private for Enterprise Value of $7.7 Billion
Tech holding firm Sequence Holdings is partnering with Michael Dell’s family office in an all-cash deal that represents an 88% premium to the insurance brokerage’s stock. Read More

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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IPO

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A surprising detail in the smart-ring maker’s IPO filing was that Robinhood will be playing a formal role as an underwriter, showcasing the company’s expansion beyond trading. Read More

Reuters: Silver Lake, Intel-Backed Altera Prepares IPO That Could Raise Over $2 Billion as Early as 2026, Sources Say
The California-based chip company Altera is set for a possible listing this year that would mark another high-profile semiconductor IPO following Cerebras’ listing in May. Read More

FROM OUR DESK TO YOURS

Recently, the GPP team was able to savor dinner at Cafe Bar J.F., a new venture by restaurateur Juan Correa on the site of his iconic former Peruvian restaurant, Llama Inn. Reunited with head chef Francisco Castillo (formerly of the now-closed Llama San), the duo have broadened their horizons and established a truly cozy but refined South American Tavern, drawing inspiration from not just Peru, but neighboring Chile and Argentina.

The seasonal menu is rooted around shared plates. We began with a divine scallop ceviche, delicately combining parmesan, shiro plums and trout roe. Black lentils with perfectly cooked squid and Ribeye Tonnato – a dish consisting of thinly sliced beef briefly charred over a wood-fired grill with horseradish is not to be skipped. We continued with a beautifully grilled swordfish paired with yellow-eyed beans that may have been the best bite of beans we’ve ever had, and a stunning arroz meloso, carnaroli rice cooked with lobster into something like a creamy Spanish take on risotto. As the menu makes clear, the “Must-Have Fries” live up to their billing. We closed things out with a Basque cheesecake.

While the restaurant has an extensive wine list, rooted in prime South American regions and combined with European standouts, the cocktail program is a standout, developed by Sarah Morrissey of Le Dive fame. Think Pisco Sours, Old Fashioneds made with chilies from Peru, and Vodka Mojitos. It also features socalled “combinators” – two-ingredient drinks – such as chilcanos and the also not to be skipped Fernet Branca Y Coca-Cola.

OPEN TABS

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Gladstone Place Partners
485 Madison Ave, 6th Floor
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New York, NY 10022

212-230-5930

For additional information or to speak with a member of our team, please email us at contact@gladstoneplace.com.

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