What requirement applies to companies with securities listed on the NYSE regarding a code of conduct?

Companies with securities listed on the NYSE are required to adopt and disclose a code of conduct that applies to all directors, officers, and employees. This requirement is in place to promote ethical behavior and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations throughout the organization. By ensuring that all key stakeholders are subject to the code, the NYSE aims to foster a culture of integrity and accountability, which ultimately contributes to investor confidence and market integrity.

This mandate reflects the broader commitment to governance standards that the NYSE has established, which serve to protect investors and ensure that companies operate transparently and ethically. It is not merely limited to a particular group (such as just the CEO), nor is it optional; rather, it is a critical component of the expectations placed on publicly traded companies to maintain high ethical standards in their operations. The option regarding shareholder approval for waiving the code and stating that adherence is only required for the CEO does not align with the NYSE's comprehensive approach to governance and ethics.