This paper examines the link between financial reporting and corporate governance. Based on empirical examples of the recent confidence crisis in financial reporting and within an information economics framework, the fundamental case is being established. Then, the core elements of financial reporting are being presented. Based on an analysis of various international accounting standards frameworks, the demands financial reporting has to meet from a corporate governance-perspective are identified. A review of cases and literature reveals challenges which remain.

Thomas Berndt

1 Aug 2007