Abstract This study provides an embracing overview and comparison of corporate governance practices in Portugal and Brazil, regarding three major dimensions: ownership, the board of directors and managerial compensation. The conclusions reveal important differences and similarities between both countries. Similarities are essentially found in ownership structure, with a clear predominance of family firms, and in board diversity. On the other hand, differences between the two countries include the structure of the board of directors, where Brazilian firms reveal a clearly higher board independence, and executive compensation, where Portugal shows lower levels of compensation.

--

Corporate Governance; Shareholders; Board of Directors; Executive compensation