Since they were first issued in 1999, the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance have gained worldwide recognition as a benchmark for good corporate governance. They are actively used by governments, regulators, investors, corporations and stakeholders in both OECD and non-OECD countries and have been adopted by the Financial Stability Board as one of the Twelve Key Standards for Sound Financial Systems.

The OECD's work on the Principles is carried out through the OECD Corporate Governance Committee. The Principles are intended to assist in the evaluation and improvement of the legal, institutional and regulatory framework that influences corporate governance. They also provide guidance for stock exchanges, investors, corporations, and others that have a role in the process of developing good corporate governance.

The Principles are also used as the structural basis for the OECD's regional roundtables on corporate governance. The roundtables encourage policy dialogue and an exchange of experience between public and private sector experts and decision makers, both from the region and internationally.