Transparency, Accounting Discretion and Bank Stability

42 Pages Posted: 30 Jun 2015

See all articles by Robert M. Bushman

Robert M. Bushman

University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: June 28, 2015

Abstract

An important unresolved issue is the extent to which bank transparency promotes or undermines bank stability. Conflicting views on transparency create a demand for empirical research that can provide insights into the nature of transparency and when, where and how it positively or negatively affects bank stability. Financial accounting information is an integral component of transparency and as such is a powerful point of entry for empirical investigations of bank transparency. This paper discusses key insights from recent research that investigates relations between bank transparency as viewed through the lens of financial accounting and bank stability. The paper focuses on real consequences of accounting policy choices on individual bank downside tail risk, codependence of tail risk among banks, and regulatory forbearance. I emphasize the role played by managerial discretion over accounting decisions in influencing bank stability through two distinct accounting channels: bank transparency and the role of accounting numbers as numerical inputs into the calculations of regulatory ratios such as bank capital ratios. Suggestions for future research are provided.

Keywords: Banking; Accounting discretion; Bank transparency; Bank risk

JEL Classification: E58; G21; G32; M41

Suggested Citation

Bushman, Robert M., Transparency, Accounting Discretion and Bank Stability (June 28, 2015). Economic Policy Review, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2624274

Robert M. Bushman (Contact Author)

University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School ( email )

McColl Building
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3490
United States
919-962-9809 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://public.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/faculty/bushmanr/

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