Corporate risk disclosure by UK firms: trends and determinants

Abstract

This study explores risk disclosure practice using content analysis of 156 annual reports prepared by 52 UK listed companies in three different periods (1998, 2001 and 2004). The study relates the extent of risk disclosure to firm-specific characteristics. The study found, a trend of increasing amounts of risk disclosure in the annual report over the six-year period influenced by accounting regulation and accounting institutes' recommendations. US dual listing and involvement in heavy industry are significantly and positively correlated with the level of risk information disclosed by the sampled companies. Risk disclosure is not related to size or leverage.