Proxy Voting System for Straight-Through Data Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional proxy voting systems lack straight-through processing for collecting comprehensive business data from various sources, making it difficult for asset management firms to effectively cast proxy votes on behalf of their shareholders.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for proxy voting that includes accessing a proxy admin system, selecting fund managers, searching for vote meetings, selecting policies and comments, and casting votes, with features like delegation of votes, conflict of interest handling, and report generation to streamline the voting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional proxy voting systems are used, then the voting process can be performed, but straight-through processing for collecting comprehensive business data from various sources is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive business data collectionVSAvoiddata collection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the data collection process by integrating multiple data sources (corporate communications, news feeds, research reports, social media) as separate modules that feed into a centralized processing platform. This allows comprehensive data collection while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy voting platform is designed as a universal system that handles multiple types of voting scenarios (routine meetings, special meetings, shareholder proposals), conflict of interest situations, and delegation arrangements within a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate processes for different voting types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manual proxy voting processes are used, then votes can be cast, but the process lacks automation and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoting process efficiencyVSAvoidvote casting automation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service functionality where fund managers can independently cast votes, delegate authority to other managers, and access voting history without requiring manual intervention from administrators. The platform automatically processes vote submissions and updates records, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring voting parameters, conflict of interest rules, and delegation protocols before voting occurs. This allows the automated system to handle routine voting tasks without human intervention while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a centralized proxy voting platform is implemented, then comprehensive data integration is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integration capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces intermediary components including standardized data interfaces and integration layers that mediate between diverse external data sources and the core voting platform. These intermediaries translate various data formats into a unified structure, enabling comprehensive data integration while shielding the core system from complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The platform utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting system behavior based on input data characteristics. The system automatically modifies processing parameters, validation rules, and presentation formats according to the type of meeting, jurisdiction, and voting scenario, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If proxy voting system handles conflict of interest situations, then voting integrity is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoting integrityVSAvoidconflict resolution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively identifying and flagging potential conflict of interest situations before voting occurs. The platform automatically screens voting scenarios against predefined conflict criteria and prevents problematic votes from being cast, thereby maintaining voting integrity while avoiding time-consuming manual review processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10079909B2Computer implemented method and system for proxy voting
Publication Date: 2018.09.18 INVESCO HLDG CO US INC
  • US10079909B2 patent drawing
  • US10079909B2 patent drawing
  • US10079909B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer implemented method and system for proxy voting are disclosed. The method includes accessing a proxy admin system for casting a plurality of votes, clicking on a delegate button in the proxy admin system for selecting at least one fund, searching for a plurality of vote meetings of the fund manager on a vote card list screen, clicking on a quick vote for selecting a plurality of appropriate policies; a plurality of meetings and a plurality of comments and clicking on a vote button for successful voting in the proxy admin system.