Disclosure Compliance Research Articles

The market reactions for deferred compliance of IAS 41: an analysis of the agriculture sector in Indonesia

Research aims: This study aims to investigate the market reaction of post-IAS 41 implementation in Indonesia. IAS 41 Agriculture requires companies to measure biological assets at fair value, which will increase asset values and profit in the first year of its implementation. The increase in the asset values can have a favorable impact on companies’ share prices as fair value was not applied in Indonesia prior to the adoption of IAS 41. In addition, this study analyzes the disclosure compliance of IAS 41 in the interim reports during the implementation year.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used non-parametric statistics, precisely the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and content analysis of financial statement disclosure about IAS 41 Agriculture. The sample of the study comprised 27 Indonesian companies with agriculture assets during the first year of the implementation of IAS 41. Research findings: The results of this study suggest no significant difference in market abnormal return after the first annual financial statements post-IAS 41 implementation were released in the first quarter of 2018. The results also indicate that at least 50% of the 27 sample companies did not use fair value for their biological assets in their first quarter of interim report during the implementation year. The use of fair value was only observed in the last quarter of 2018, as most companies made an effort to apply fair value. The late implementation of fair value in IAS 41 may explain the insignificance of the market's abnormal return reaction in the first quarter of the adoption year when the financial reports were released.Practitioner/Policy implication: The adoption of the new standard requires companies to comply with it right in the first quarter of the implementation year. The capital market regulator should impose stricter requirements for listed companies to apply the new standard starting with the first quarter of financial reports.Research limitation/Implication: The limitations of this study concern the observation period used for calculating abnormal returns, which did not conclude a ‘pure’ market reaction, and the sample of this research was limited to three industries: agriculture, basic chemicals, and consumer goods.

Firm Level Attributes of Sustainability Disclosure Compliance: Moderating Role of Institutional Quality

Corporate Sustainability Disclosure Compliance (CSDC) has become increasingly important globally as stakeholders demand greater transparency and accountability from companies regarding their environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. However, the extent to which companies comply with sustainability disclosure requirements can vary depending on the quality of the institutional environment in which they operate. In Nigeria, a country with a diverse economic landscape and varying levels of institutional quality, understanding how institutional factors influence firms' compliance with sustainability reporting guidelines is critical to promoting sustainable business practices and improving corporate governance standards. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing CSDC by examining the moderating effect of institutional quality using the rule of law as a proxy. Based on the theoretical framework of new institutionalism, a set of hypotheses was formulated and subsequently tested using a dataset of 118 listed companies from 2011 to 2017. The study found a statistically significant and positive relationship between the rule of law and CSDC in the Nigerian context. However, there was no statistically significant evidence to support the relationship between liquidity and the rule of law. In contrast, the relationship between industry type and the rule of law, as well as the relationship between leverage and the rule of law, were both positive and significant, suggesting better compliance with transparency in the presence of efficient legal systems. However, the interaction between taxation and the rule of law showed a negative relationship, highlighting the need for caution in interpreting its moderating role. This study contributes to existing knowledge, policy and practice by highlighting the moderating effect of the rule of law.

ESG rating divergence, information disclosure, and stock price volatility: evidence from Chinese listed companies

ABSTRACT This study utilizes ESG rating data from nine rating agencies covering Chinese A-share listed companies from 2006 to 2022 to construct a more rational measurement of ESG rating divergence and examines its impact on stock price volatility. The results indicate that excessive ESG divergence worsens stock price volatility, but this linkage between divergence and volatility is mitigated when corporate information disclosure compliance improves.

The effect of tone, signature, and visual elements in compliance management systems disclosures on financial analysts’ decisions

Numerous corporate scandals, in conjunction with managerial misbehavior, demonstrate both the need for effective compliance management systems (CMS) and the relevance of compliance reporting. Disclosure elements are a major differentiator when reporting on CMS. This study investigates whether the tone, top managers’ signatures, and visual elements affect financial analysts’ perceptions and decisions. We use several theories from cognitive psychology which suggest that positive tone, the presence of signatures, and the combination of textual and visual elements can induce more favorable perceptions of compliance disclosure. In a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment with 148 financial analysts from Germany, we manipulate tone (positive vs. negative), top managers’ signatures (present vs. absent), and visual elements (present vs. absent) to measure analyst perceptions of reliability, understandability, and usability, as well as credit risk, purchase, and recommendation decisions. We then sum up these dependent variables to create two new variables, perceptions, and decisions. Our results suggest that negatively toned compliance disclosure positively affects financial analyst perceptions, unless it is combined with a visual, as well as their decisions, unless it is combined with both a signature and a visual element. Additionally, signatures and a visual element have an overall positive effect on analyst perceptions. The study’s results confirm the relevance of disclosure elements in compliance reporting, which should be of interest to preparers, users, auditors, and regulators of compliance disclosure.

Disclosure Compliance with Different ESG Reporting Guidelines: The Sustainability Ranking of Selected European and Hungarian Banks in the Socio-Economic Crisis Period

As the relevant European Union directives require in-depth sustainability reporting from large institutions, banks are among the concerned with disclosure obligations. Several institutions prepare self-structured recommendations by which companies are indirectly fostered to make their operation more sustainable through reporting and to help compliance with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulations. However, in the preparation period, differences can be found in the actual sustainability disclosure practices across Europe (primarily by a western–eastern European relation). To examine this issue, this study aimed to investigate if there was any variation in the reporting compliance with aspects (key performance indicators—KPIs) of three reporting guidelines (Global Reporting Initiative—G4, Financial Services Sector Disclosures—GRI; Alliance for Corporate Transparency—ACT; ISO 26000:2010—ISO) between top European and Hungarian banks according to their 2021 sustainability/ESG reports, using content analysis-based disclosure scoring. The results revealed no significant differences among the general (aspect-pooled) scores for different guidelines, while the differences were significant for each guideline between the two bank groups. In the aspect-level evaluation, the European banks had higher scores in most cases, with the Hungarian banks receiving higher scores in 4 of 49 GRI, 1 of 16 ACT, and 2 of 37 ISO aspects. Significant correlations were indicated in disclosure score values between the two bank groups, which suggested similar preferences for the aspects demonstrated; however, elaboration levels differed. These findings showed that the European and Hungarian banks could be differentiated by their sustainability disclosure patterns. The results suggest a better CSRD-level preparedness of the top European banks than of the Hungarian ones, with the latter being introduced as a model group of the region. This reflects the need for more efficient adoption of best practices by financial institutions in the eastern parts of Europe.

Analisis Laporan Keberlanjutan Studi Komparasi Bank Syariah Indonesia dan Maybank Islamic Berhad 2019-2022

This study emphasizes the importance of focusing on the sustainability and alignment of Sharia compliance disclosures in the context of Islamic Financial Institutions. Sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly crucial in the financial sector due to growing awareness of global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. The initiative encourages Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) to increase transparency and accountability in their sustainability practices.
 
 This study tries explicitly to compare the Sustainability Report Analysis between Bank Syariah Indonesia and Maybank Islamic Berhad for 2019-2022. In this way, the study provides a deeper understanding of how these two institutions manage sustainability and disclosure of Sharia compliance.
 
 By aligning Sharia compliance with sustainability goals, IFIS can actively create a more responsible and ethical financial sector. This will contribute to broader sustainable development efforts, including sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and Social Empowerment.
 
 This kind of research is essential to ensure that IFIs and other financial institutions understand and adhere to sustainability and Sharia compliance in a balanced manner to balance financial, ethical, and sustainability goals in their services to society.

Nexus between corporate governance disclosure and firm performance

The paper intended to evaluate the extent of corporate disclosure compliance and its effect on the financial performance of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies listed on the DSE during a twelve-year period, from 2007 to 2020. The study explored the affinity between the Corporate Governance Disclosure Index (CGDI) and firm financial performance employing econometric techniques, such as fixed effect and random effect models. The study calculated the disclosure scores as a percentage of a given firm's overall score to the probable score it could achieve. The CGDI of the sample companies showed a positive and substantial effect on company performance as an accounting measure ROA and an insignificant effect as a market measure Tobin’s Q. The study also revealed that sample firms followed the BSEC guidelines partially. These findings have implications for companies that fail to comply with the full disclosure principle, which holds that a company must disclose all material information in its financial statements in order to touch the reader's comprehension of those statements. In addition, these results imply that the code of CG requires a thorough examination to make essential modifications.

A evolução na divulgação de práticas de compliance por companhias abertas brasileiras no período “Lava Jato”

Abstract This study investigates the evolution of compliance disclosure by Brazilian public companies in the context of Operation Lava Jato (Car Wash), comparing the opening year and the last year of its protagonism. Using the interpretive paradigm, the Management Reports of 2014 and 2019 of 104 companies listed in the New Market segment of B3 were analyzed through the content analysis technique. The findings indicated a substantial increase in compliance disclosure in the analyzed companies, mainly in categories such as Anti-corruption Policy, Compliance Organizational Culture, Internal Compliance Programs and Processes, and Compliance Legislation and Standards. It was revealed that the disclosure of Monitoring and Risk Management Practices played a relevant role in the voluntary disclosure practices of these entities. The increased compliance disclosure by companies with a strong relationship with the Public Power suggests that coercive pressures of a government nature tend to maximize the adoption of compliance practices and disclosure. The findings contribute from a theoretical perspective by identifying the progress in voluntary compliance disclosure as a response strategy to institutional pressures, especially in companies exposed to coercive governmental pressures. From a practical viewpoint, it contributes by revealing the compliance categories emphasized in the disclosures by Brazilian companies, helping corporate report developers, and informing other economic agents. On a social level, the increased compliance disclosure points to progress in creating conditions that seek to increase confidence among economic agents, thus favoring economic growth.

Evolution in compliance disclosure by Brazilian listed companies during the corruption investigation “Operation Lava Jato (Car Wash)”

Resumo O estudo investiga a evolução na divulgação de compliance por companhias abertas brasileiras no contexto da Lava Jato, comparando o ano de início com o último ano de protagonismo da operação. Com base no paradigma interpretativista, foram analisados os relatórios de administração de 104 companhias listadas no segmento Novo Mercado da B3, de 2014 a 2019, por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os achados indicaram um substancial aumento na divulgação de compliance nas companhias analisadas, principalmente em categorias como “política anticorrupção”, “cultura organizacional de compliance”, “programas e processos internos de compliance” e “legislação e normas de compliance”. Revelou-se que a divulgação de práticas de monitoramento e gestão de riscos exerceram um relevante papel nas práticas voluntárias de divulgação de compliance dessas entidades. O destacado aumento do disclosure de compliance por companhias com forte relacionamento com o poder público sugere que pressões coercitivas de caráter governamental tendem a maximizar a adoção de práticas de compliance e sua divulgação. Os achados contribuem em termos teóricos ao identificar o avanço na divulgação voluntária do compliance como estratégia de resposta a pressões institucionais, com maior efeito em companhias expostas a pressões coercitivas governamentais. Em termos práticos, contribui ao revelar as categorias de compliance enfatizadas nas divulgações de companhias nacionais, auxiliando elaboradores de relatórios corporativos e informando demais agentes econômicos. De forma social, o aumento da divulgação de compliance aponta avanços na criação de condições que visam aumentar a confiança dos agentes econômicos, favorecendo o crescimento econômico.

Shariah-related disclosure: a literature review and directions for future research

A substantial scholarly discourse surrounds Shariah legislation, yet previous studies have offered limited evidence regarding the necessity of Shariah-related disclosure (SRD), its extent, determining factors, and its impact on performance. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive review of existing SRD literature within Islamic institutions. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic literature review encompassing 44 studies published in journals from 2003 to 2023. The research articles were systematically categorized based on types of SRD, levels, methodologies employed, determining factors, and their consequent effects on performance. The findings underscore a significant knowledge gap and inconclusive results in the current literature, thereby identifying avenues for future research. Notably, our results indicate that the majority of prior studies are quantitative in nature and have employed secondary data from Islamic banks in Muslim countries. Likewise, research pertaining to other Islamic institutions and their voluntary adherence to Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions guidelines is underreported. Furthermore, our findings suggest that previous studies have often placed undue emphasis on other forms of disclosure or have only considered SRD as a subset of broader categories. Contrarily, the number of studies on this subject has increased in recent years, with more than half of the surveys conducted in the last 8 years of the sample period. In forthcoming research, it is advisable to independently explore SRD and employ Islamic proxies to assess its impact on performance. Moreover, researchers are encouraged to investigate cross-industry differences in this context. The results of this survey will be of significant interest to both academics and non-academics seeking information on Shariah compliance disclosures.

Enforcing Disclosure Compliance in Mergers and Acquisitions: Evidence from China

This study examines how enforcement of acquisition disclosure regulation affects investors’ assessment of the transactions’ quality at merger and acquisition (M&A) announcements. Using a novel sample of comment letters on acquisition filings by public companies in China, we document that regulatory requests for disclosure enhancement and clarifications are more common on lower quality transactions obfuscated by weaker disclosure as evidenced by (i) a lower likelihood of the deal closing, and if the deal does close, lower post-deal firm profitability; and, (ii) a greater likelihood of subsequent goodwill impairment. Using entropy balancing matching, we document that transactions that receive comment letters associate with significant negative bidder announcement returns suggesting that regulatory actions reveal new information that aids investors to identify lower quality deals. The negative price effect is greater when comment letters have more acquisition-specific comments, compared to letters with more comments on general accounting and governance issues. Our results showcase that enforcing disclosure compliance in M&A filings aids investors in assessing the quality of M&A transactions at the time when the filings are made public.

준수 또는 설명 방식에 따른 기업지배구조 핵심지표 미준수 사유의 설명과 기업가치 간 관계

[Purpose] The Comply or Explain (CoE) approach, a core principle of the Corporate Governance Code, encourages an improvement in corporate governance by affording each firm the discretion to choose an appropriate governance structure and by allowing capital market participants to assess the firm’s governance choice. In order to investigate whether the corporate governance disclosure system works in accordance with the spirit of the CoE approach, this study analyzes the relationship between disclosure of the status of compliance with the key indicators of corporate governance and firm value.
 [Methodology] Using a sample of listed firms that disclosed corporate governance reports from 2019 to 2021, we perform regression analysis to examine the relationship between the disclosure of compliance or explanations for non－compliance with key corporate governance indicators and firm value. Additionally, we analyze the content of the explanations for noncompliance.
 [Findings] We find that compliance with key indicators has a positive relationship with firm value, while explanations for non－compliance do not exhibit a significant relationship with firm value. We also find that the majority of non－compliers state only the fact that they do not comply with the key indicators or provide general explanations exemplified in guidelines and best practices for their non－compliance.
 [Implications] The mandatory disclosure system for corporate governance reports, under the CoE approach, is intended to enhance transparency and the long－term value of the firm through effective disclosure of corporate governance and will apply to all listed firms in 2026. We find that the explanations provided by non－compliers are neither specific nor significantly related to firm value. These findings suggest the need for a discussion on ways to enhance the understanding of the essence of the CoE principles, particularly the Explanation (E) element, among both firms and information users and to improve the quality of corporate disclosures.

Exploring the nexus between Islamic financial institutions Shariah compliance disclosure and corporate governance: New insights from a cross‐country analysis

AbstractWe address the scarcity of empirical research on Shariah Compliance Disclosure (hereafter referred to as SCD) by presenting new evidence on the levels and range of SCD, of 807 bank‐year observation of Islamic Financial Institutions (hereafter referred to as IFIs) in 19 countries for the period from 2010 to 2020 and its determinants. Using an unweighted disclosure index measured by manual content analysis categorized into Shariah Supervisory Board (hereafter referred to as SSB) information, audit process, Shariah compliance review and Zakat, several outcomes are documented. In general, the SCD level is above average (57.38%) and hence evidence an overall growth during the sample period. Further, the study examines the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and SCD and the results indicate that foreign investors, institutional investors, board size, board independence, SSB reputation and SSB size are vital and influence the extent of SCD level. The study also conducted several tests to examine the main findings' robustness. The findings deliver valuable in‐depth empirical insights to regulatory bodies on the current SCD practises of IFIs to assist policymakers in modifying reporting frameworks or guidelines accordingly. In addition, this research can support academics, policymakers or standard setters and managers interested in seeking information about SCD and CG.

Islamic banks’ Sharia compliance disclosure: an international evidence

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the disparity and compliance of information disclosures in Islamic banks (IBs). Specifically, the research examines IBs’ compliance with Sharia disclosure requirements.Design/methodology/approachTo determine the extent of disclosures and compliance with Islamic business principles, content analysis is applied to the annual reports of a sample of IBs from 11 countries. A comprehensive reporting framework has also been developed to assess the transparency and compliance of IBs with Islamic business principles. Institutional theory and core Islamic principles are used to inform the study and its findings.FindingsThe results reveal that IBs demonstrate limited transparency on the key Sharia compliance issues, and there is a wide variation in the level of reporting across the countries studied. Moreover, the authors find that IBs located in the single integrated regulatory framework (RF) countries disclose more information, followed by those located in dual RF countries and then those located in Islamic RF countries.Originality/valueThis study presents a unique and comprehensive framework to assess the areas of Sharia disclosure by IBs and provides a conceptual rationing for the actual level of IBs’ Sharia reporting. This study also fills a significant gap in the literature, as most studies in this field are based on a single-country study. The results are deemed of direct relevance to IBs’ managers, investors, policymakers, regulators and the wider public, particularly in the Muslim world.

Fintech Data Infrastructure for ESG Disclosure Compliance

Regulations related to the disclosure of environmental, governance, and social (ESG) factors are evolving rapidly and are a major concern for financial compliance worldwide. Information technology has the potential to reduce the effort and cost of ESG disclosure compliance. However, comprehensive and accurate ESG data are necessary for disclosures. Currently, the availability and quality of underlying data for ESG disclosures vary widely and are often deficient. The process involved with obtaining ESG data is also often inefficient and prone to error. This paper compares the models used and the evolution of Fintech data infrastructure developed to support financial services with the requirements and trajectory of ESG disclosure compliance. Based on existing Fintech models, it presents a sustainability data infrastructure framework that aims to address current ESG data challenges, including data governance concerns, on a large scale. In conclusion, it highlights key considerations and recommendations for policymakers.

EXPLANATORY FACTORS OF THE COMPLIANCE WITH IFRS 16 (LEASES) DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS: EVIDENCE FROM THE PORTUGUESE STOCK MARKET

This paper aims to analyze the degree of compliance with the IFRS 16 disclosure requirements, in the first year of mandatory adoption of IFRS 16, and to identify its determinant factors. As methodology, we performed a content analysis of the reports and accounts of a sample of companies listed on Euronext Lisbon. A multiple linear regression model was also developed, which assumes the compliance disclosure index as a dependent variable as some companies’ characteristics as potential explanatory factors. Results of descriptive statistics indicate that, in the first year of adoption of IFRS 16, the average level of compliance with disclosure requirements is approximately 0.66. The multivariate analyses reveals that the type of auditor significantly positively influences the compliance disclosure index and therefore we conclude that entities with accounts audited by one of the Big Four exhibit a higher level of disclosure than those that are audited by other audit firms.

Green securities policy and the environmental performance of firms: Assessing the impact of China's pre-IPO environmental inspection policy

China has experimented with a wide range of policies to encourage firms to improve their environmental performance, often with mixed results. This paper investigates the effectiveness of combining two different policies at the same time: (1) a more centralised environmental inspection process and (2) new rules on the public disclosure of policy compliance for firms wanting to undertake an initial public offering (IPO). A theoretical framework predicts that a more centralised inspection and public disclosure should improve both a firm's environmental performance and profitability. The results of instrumental variable estimations for 536 listed Chinese firms for the period 2009 to 2019 confirm the theoretical predictions although the positive effect on profitability only lasts for two years after compliance with the IPO requirements. An investigation into possible mechanisms shows that the joint policy promotes investment in green projects while also increasing demand for the firm's products. The findings highlight greater regulatory complexity may be needed if a country wishes to change the behaviour of firms in a manner that is consistent with overcoming environmental challenges.

The extent of mandatory and voluntary Shariah compliance disclosure: evidence from Malaysian Islamic financial institutions

PurposeThis study aims to assess the extent of the mandatory and voluntary Shariah compliance disclosure in the Shariah Committee Report of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia. The study highlights the accountability and transparency of the Shariah Committee members to provide full disclosure of relevant Shariah compliance information to the stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts content analysis to quantify and code the number of sentences in the Shariah Committee Report disclosed in the 2016 annual report of 47 IFIs in Malaysia. The extent of Shariah compliance disclosure in the Shariah Committee Report is measured based on the Standard (S) and Guidance (G) items outlined in the Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) as well as the Financial Reporting for Islamic Banking Institutions and takaful operators guidelines issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) as the reference.FindingsThe findings indicate that majority of IFIs complied with the minimum mandatory disclosure requirement based on the Standard (S) items in the Shariah Committee Report as required by the SGF. Highest information on the purpose of Shariah Committee engagement and scope of work performed is disclosed to the stakeholders in almost all IFIs. Only two prominent full-fledged Islamic bank and Islamic banking business in development financial institutions have shown highest accountability to go beyond the minimum disclosure requirement. This includes disclosing higher voluntary information on Shariah governance processes in the Shariah Committee Report of these two IFIs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adopts the SGF (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2010), Financial Reporting for Islamic Banking Institutions (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2016) and Financial Reporting for Takaful Operators (Bank Negara Malaysia, 2015) as the reference to develop the measurement of Shariah compliance disclosure in the Shariah Committee Report. These guidelines issued by BNM are still effective during the period of study, i.e. the year 2016.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute towards the relevance for BNM as the regulator to enhance the current disclosure requirement in the Shariah Committee Report as stated in the SGF especially in Islamic windows and takaful operators. The main argument of this paper is that the more information being disclosed in the Shariah Committee Report will lead to better Shariah assurances. The issuance of Shariah Governance Policy Document in 2019 is expected to enhance the credibility, accountability and transparency of the Shariah Committee members concerning their oversight responsibility towards Shariah matters in IFIs’ business operations.Originality/valueAfter five years since the issuance of the SGF in 2010, further study on the extent of mandatory and voluntary Shariah compliance disclosure is important to highlight the accountability and transparency on the implementation of the Shariah governance across various types of IFIs in Malaysia.

Materiality Disclosure Compliance in The 2021 at Provincial Banks Sustainability Repor

The study employs a qualitative approach to analyze how provincial banks define materiality, take into account stakeholders, and pinpoint material issues.. The study is focused on nine state banks. A case study research approach using materiality assessment variables was adopted. The sampling strategy used was called targeted sampling. Data analysis techniques used include data reduction, data visualization, and inference. Landesbank defines materials as critical issues with significant impact. Customers are the most influential stakeholders. The most important material issues for organizations are related to social issues. Landesbank's materiality assessment is good, but clearly needs improvement. Banks with already-good materiality ratings can be kept, while provincial banks with still-poor materiality ratings can have their ratings raised. Keywords: Materiality, Stakeholders, Sustainability Report

The Effect of Sustainability Report Disclosure Compliance on the Company's Financial Performance

The issue of the sustainability of a company today is very important. Where the company must think ahead how the business carried out can be beneficial not only for internal but also external companies at this time and in the future. This study aims to determine the effect of compliance on sustainability reports disclosure on financial performance as measured using the Tobin's Q ratio. The sample in this study were all companies that received bronze to platinum ratings on ASRRAT for the 2018-2021 period and were listed on the stock exchange. This data is processed using panel data regression. The results of this study are that economic disclosure has a negative effect and significant, environmental disclosure has a negative effect but not significant, while social disclosure has a positive effect and significant.