Every year the Centre for Corporate Reporting's Geschäftsberichte-Symposium brings together reporting professionals from across Europe to discuss the future of corporate reporting. This year, at the 17th Symposium, several key themes consistently emerged that are likely to shape reporting over the next few years.
AI dominated conversations throughout the conference, regardless of the session topic. The focus has shifted beyond using AI to create reports and towards ensuring reports are optimised for AI consumption.
One of the biggest debates centred on the future of reporting formats. Many speakers argued that HTML reporting is the natural evolution of the annual report, reflecting the progress already being made in parts of continental Europe.
However, there was far from universal agreement. Others questioned whether significant investment in HTML could prove short-lived, arguing that large language models are rapidly improving their ability to understand PDFs and that a combination of a well-designed PDF and a concise HTML experience may ultimately become the preferred model.
Regardless of format, there was broad consensus that structured, machine-readable information is becoming increasingly important, particularly for sustainability reporting, where consistent, structured data remains relatively limited outside mandatory frameworks.
(We will be exploring this topic in more detail at an event and webinar in September – get in touch to find out more and register!)
While AI is rapidly becoming embedded across the reporting ecosystem, speakers consistently reinforced that it should support, not replace, human expertise.
Whether preparing reports, analysing disclosures or making investment decisions, audiences are increasingly using AI to process information. However, creativity, strategic thinking and decision-making remain fundamentally human responsibilities. The message was clear: organisations should embrace AI while retaining strong human oversight over both content and communications. Which is good news for all of us comms professionals!
The growing importance of retail investors was another recurring theme, particularly as companies seek access to new pools of capital.
Much of the discussion focused on engaging Gen Z investors, who are expected to inherit significant wealth over the coming decades. Alongside this came repeated references to the rise of the "finfluencer" - financial content creators on social media who increasingly influence investment decisions and act as an important gateway to younger audiences.
Research presented during the conference explored how companies can better engage these investors through clearer investment propositions, accessible digital content and more engaging communications. AI also featured prominently, with one presenter highlighting research suggesting that around two-thirds of people who seek financial guidance from large language models subsequently act on that advice.
This seems to be a reoccurring theme this conference season as it was also the topic of one of the panel sessions at this year’s UK Investor Relations Society Conference, you can find out more in our blog.
Across both regulated and voluntary reporting, speakers emphasised that successful reporting is built on consistency and evidence.
For disclosures outside regulatory requirements, organisations should be able to demonstrate a clear connection between reported information, business performance and long-term value creation. Narratives, data and sustainability claims need to align, with robust evidence underpinning key messages if companies are to maintain trust with investors and other stakeholders.
Sessions featuring institutional investors largely reinforced familiar priorities.
Consistent reporting, integrated sustainability disclosures, audited sustainability information, concise communication and clear governance and risk reporting all remain high on investors' agendas. There was also evidence that investors are increasingly using AI tools to interrogate corporate disclosures, further increasing the value of well-structured, clearly written reports.
One particularly interesting corporate perspective described a "Maslow's hierarchy" approach to reporting. The annual report first satisfies regulatory requirements before communicating the organisation's strategic priorities and values, while broader stakeholder needs are addressed through separate investor communications and more regular updates. The approach recognises that the annual report cannot, and should not, try to be everything to everyone.
The conference also provided valuable opportunities to reconnect with existing contacts and establish new relationships across the European reporting community.
And, in true conference fashion, delegates were encouraged to stretch more than just their thinking, with "brain expansion" sessions involving group singing, conflicting hand gestures and even a violinist, an unconventional but memorable reminder that creativity still has a place in corporate reporting!
If any of these themes resonate with your organisation or you're struggling with similar challenges in corporate, annual or sustainability reporting we'd be delighted to continue the conversation. Get in touch to discuss your reporting priorities, share thoughts or explore how we can help - email of Head of Business Development, Bob at bcrosbie-dawson@blacksun-global.com.
About Black Sun
Black Sun Global is a stakeholder advisory and engagement agency that's been driving transformation and positive change for ambitious brands for more than 20 years. With deep expertise in disclosure and reporting, ESG, sustainability, and digital engagement, we reshape how organisations connect with customers, investors, employees, and the wider world.
We are trusted partners to some of the most influential global organisations, sparking innovation and sustainable performance through our strategic insights, partnerships, and proprietary technologies.
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