The global financial crisis has badly affected investor confidence all over the World, as witnessed by falling stock prices across World markets in 2007 and 2008, and a retreat by investors into so-called safe havens of Government bonds and high quality investments.
In such times, if listed companies or financial institutions wish to obtain funding at reasonable cost then they must maintain, and in some cases, regain the confidence and trust of investors by demonstrating good corporate governance. This means demonstrating that the company is well run at the top level by an independent, well qualified, experienced board overseeing high quality management.