Good Governance Code: 2025 Review 2025 and CNMV Updates

Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) has announced the creation of an Expert Committee to revise the Good Governance Code for listed companies (CBG). The last update took place in 2020, and the new version is expected in early 2026. The goal is to align the Code with new market challenges, sustainability requirements and international best practices.

What is the Good Governance Code?

The Good Governance Code, first issued in 2015 and updated in 2020, has become a benchmark framework for Spanish listed companies. Despite being soft law, many private companies adopt it voluntarily as a standard of transparency and a commitment to board professionalism.

Objectives of the Good Governance Code in 2025

The review to be carried out in 2025 aims to update the Good Governance Code to incorporate key elements such as financial sustainability, digitalization, cybersecurity, and the use of artificial intelligence in boards of directors. These factors are considered crucial to maintaining competitiveness and meeting international standards

Focus areas of the Good Governance Code

The review process of the Good Governance Code involves a comprehensive update of its main areas, ensuring that Spanish companies align with the most demanding international standards in governance, sustainability, and digital transformation.

• Board of directors: diversity, periodic assessment and training.
• Sustainability: ESG criteria and alignment with new EU directives.
• Digitalisation and technology: cybersecurity protocols and data governance.
• Transparency: greater demands to investors and of non-financial information.
• Artificial intelligence: impact on decision-making and risk management.

Practical implications and recommendations for companies

Listed companies should anticipate these changes to avoid compliance discrepancies once the new Code is adopted. Non-listed companies may also benefit from applying these practices as a differentiating factor when appealing to investors, clients and international partners. Corporate governance assessments and adaptation roadmaps are advisable.