Rethinking the Disclosure Paradigm in a World of Complexity

35 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2002

Abstract

In examining the factors that differentiate Enron's destructive use of off-balance-sheet special purpose entities, or SPEs, from the trillions of dollars of legitimate securitization and other structured-finance transactions that use SPEs, I encountered the dilemma that, like in Enron, many such legitimate transactions are so complex that disclosure to investors of the company originating the transaction is necessarily imperfect - either oversimplifying the transaction, or providing detail and sophistication beyond the level of even most institutional investors and securities analysts. My article focuses on solutions to this dilemma, arguing that complexity forces a rethinking of the long-held disclosure paradigm of securities law.

Suggested Citation

Schwarcz, Steven L., Rethinking the Disclosure Paradigm in a World of Complexity. University of Illinois Law Review, Vol. 2004, No. 1, Duke Law School, Public Law Research Paper No. 34, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=336685 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.336685

Steven L. Schwarcz (Contact Author)

Duke University School of Law ( email )

210 Science Drive
Box 90362
Durham, NC 27708
United States
919-613-7060 (Phone)
919-613-7231 (Fax)

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