The control that initiates from ownership of more than 50% of an entity’s voting shares. A shareholder has controlling interest in a business against more than 50% of its voting shares, whereby enjoying a deciding voice in shareholder meetings and control over its policies and operations. With voting rights, shareholders can participate and vote in shareholder meetings.

Equity stake if not associated with voting rights does not allow a stakeholder (shareholder) to influence management decisions and an entity’s strategic direction, no matter the proportion of such a stake.