disclosure & compliance
Directors fall foul of corruption laws
Andrew Webster from Navigant Consulting is experienced in helping companies manage fraud and crime issues and believes that companies can do far more to prevent corruption. He warns that both national and international legislation is likely to become more vigorously enforced and gives examples.
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.
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 ...
Insolvencies will increase litigation against company directors
A changing commercial and legal environment means directors are faced with increased risk of litigation if a company goes bankrupt. As the credit crunch increases Simon Goldring, partner and Charlotte Lilley of City law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP look at what has changed and what steps directors should take to manage these risks.
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.
Audit's role is changing and managers can benefit
We've already discussed continuous auditing and monitoring and the respective roles of management and internal audit. In this column, I want to explor...
The Companies Act changes the rules on financial assistance
The procedure of 'whitewashing' has come under question as financial assistance rules have been changed in the Companies Act, which came into force this month. Robert Davidson and David Bevan (both corporate finance directors) from BDO Stoy Hayward LLP outline what the changes mean for corporate finance departments.
Adding value to corporate reports through online imagination
Online corporate reporting often does not take full advantage of the technology's features. Louise Ross of CIMA argues that the directors' reports and financial statements can be enhanced.
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