corporate finance
CIMA business flight simulator takes off
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has devised a course which enables financial and non-financial professionals the chance to run a virtual business.
Insight into corporate pension issues
Glyn Jones, chief investment officer at P-Solve Asset Solutions, talks through some of the key investment issues facing company pension schemes including protecting defined contribution schemes and concluding that FRS17 calculations are currently made up.
Mid-tier M&A opportunities exist
In spite of recession Steve Bartlett, corporate finance advisory partner at BDO Stoy Hayward says there are opportunities in mid-market M&A but warns of challenges.
ACT MarketWatch: Update on rules and reporting
Martin O'Donovan, ACT's assistant director of policy and technical issues, takes a look at some of the recent changes and developments in the regulatory environment. He looks at Financial Reporting Review Panel priorities for the coming year, ideas on counterparties for CDS and new rules on CFD reporting and changes to HMRC rules.
Outlook 2009: Half empty or half full?
Richard Hunter, head of UK equities at Hargreaves Lansdown, considers market prospects for 2009.
Accounts payable ROI measurable and beneficial
Harvest Housing discovered that it could measure and benefit from improving its accounts payable system. Simon Stammers of Formscan outlines why his company took the business and why calculating return-on-investment is important.
Failure of governance and risk compliance unforgiveable under Madoff
Here we outline why it is so stunning that due diligence, risk analysis and corporate governance rules would fail to spot Madoff's danger. Is the world only paying lip service? Gerry O'Kane comments.
Stupidity and negligence: do they explain Madoff's risky business
Here we go again, ‘there shall be a weeping and gnashing of teeth' heard globally as pension funds, charities and banks lament the loss of billions ...
IFRS impact on cost of equity
Martin O'Donovan, ACT's assistant director of policy and technical issues, reports on a research paper from accountants' body ACCA which considers the effects of accounting standards on the cost of equity, and whether improvements in accounting and disclosure quality are driven by mandatory standards or market incentives.
The Bottom Line:If Mr Cable has his way...
"If Mr Cable had his way, all the big banks would be broken up and bonuses would be virtually eliminated - a sure-fire way in my view of guaranteeing an end to the UK’s ability to compete as an international financial centre. Let’s not forget that this is a man who is on record as saying that everyone who works in a bank has an ‘aristocratic lifestyle’ clearly demonstrating his lack of understanding of the sector." A tough line on bankers’ bonuses could make a brain drain of financial talent a distinct possibility, warns Paul Marsden. Read more