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The Importance of Transparency and Disclosure

This presentation discusses effective disclosure regimes and areas requiring further development in the Asian context. It also explores non-financial disclosures relevant to enterprise governance, as well as concerns related to external auditing and independence.

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The Importance of Transparency and Disclosure

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  1. OECD Conference: Corporate Governance in Asia The Importance of Transparency and Disclosure Presented by Brian S. BrownSeoul, Korea - March 1999

  2. Today’s Discussion • An effective disclosure regime and the areas requiring further development in the Asian context • OECD Principles, US vs Asian issues, typical objections to more disclosure • Non-financial disclosures relevant to the governance of enterprises • Governance and risk management, value drivers • Concerns relating to external auditing • Independence, standards, key audit processes

  3. OECD Disclosure Principles • Annual, interim, and material events disclosure of: • Financial and operating results • Company objectives • Major share ownership and voting rights • Directors and senior management, and their remuneration • Material foreseeable risk factors • Material issues regarding other stakeholders • Governance structure and policies • High quality standards for financial and non-financial disclosure • Annual external audit under professional standards • Fair, timely and cost-effective access by users

  4. SEC Chairman’s Earnings Management Agenda “Big bath” restructuring charges Creative acquisition accounting “Cookie jar” reserves Premature revenue recognition Immaterial accounting misapplications Role of Accounting Disclosure in East Asia Crisis* Related party lending and borrowing Foreign currency debt Derivative financial instruments Segment information Contingent liabilities Banking industry US vs Emerging Market Issues * UN Conference on Trade and Development in 12/98

  5. Typical objections include ... • Disclosure is seen as a compliance task where only the minimum is presented and then somewhat grudgingly • Family oriented businesses say corporate governance is hinder-some to their objective of making money • Fear of disclosing competitive information as competitors will use it • The market will always expect it and punish bad news

  6. Non-financial disclosures ... • Traditional accounting is increasing of limited usefulness and does not always provide needed information • Non-financial disclosures include: • Strategies • Board members and policies • Compensation • Risk management policies • Compliance with code of best practice • Value drivers such as: • New product development • Customer retention • Market share and growth • Product quality • Employee satisfaction

  7. CalPERS principles provide a market focused approach ... • Accountability • Open and accessible about condition of company and performance of management team • Disclose how key decisions are made, including those for executive compensation, strategic planning, nomination, appointment and assessment of directors • Transparency • Report compliance with code of best practice and explain reasons for variations • Long Term Vision • Have a long-term strategic vision with shareholder value at the core and executive compensation aligned to long term performance

  8. Investors’ view of adequacy of value driver information Source: PwC / MORI survey on ValueReporting TM

  9. Evidence good corporate governance does lead to increase shareholder value • CalPERS attributes • US$ 150 million in increased value • from -66% to +52% against S&P 500 • Business Week survey • Top 25 returned 28% (50% better than S&P average) • Lowest 25 returned just 5%

  10. Concerns relating to external auditing • Independence • Audit committees • Professional and firm ethical standards • Common standards • International accounting standards • External audit processes • Risk based auditing • Quality assurance process Would the market pay for a zero audit failure standard?

  11. Some Final Thoughts • Global capital markets will insist upon clear, relevant financial information • Capital has no memory, it will flow where is sees reward and understands the risks • Volatility is the inevitable by-product of a global, highly competitive, fast-paced marketplace Solutions require the sustained commitment to high standards, constant improvement and adaptation to ever changing business environment

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