Kean Ow-Yong

Derivatives usage in UK non-financial listed companies

In this paper, the authors present the results of a 1997 survey of derivative used by some 231 UK non-financial companies. The questionnaire instrument used in this research is based upon the postal survey methodology of Bodnar et al. (1995). A glossary was attached to the questionnaire survey to enable consistency in defining terminology used. A direct comparison between US and UK findings was undertaken together with an analysis of results from other published surveys conducted in the last four years. We find broadly similar trends in the use of derivatives. The results of our research show that derivatives usage to hedge financial price risk is well established amongst larger UK companies. Our findings support the size effect phenomena reported in other empirical studies. The primary objective cited in using derivatives was to manage fluctuations in accounting earnings, a focus that is inconsistent with the theoretical view of paying attention to cash flow benefits of hedging. The predominant issues of concern to UK inancial directors are the lack of evaluation of risk of proposed derivative transactions and the level of transaction costs incurred. This contrasts with the greater concerns of credit risk and market risk raised by their US counterparts in Bodnars study. A possible explanation for these concerns could be the impact of the currency crisis happening in Asia especially for firms that are exposed to the affected currencies. It also suggests a lower level of sophistication and liquidity in UK derivatives market. The value of developing a basis for benchmarking good management practice in the use of derivatives to manage financial price risk represents an important area of research. Such a framework is of relevance to the demand and supply side of the derivatives market and to Government policy makers.

Corporate Governance Codes: a comparison between Malaysia and the UK

This paper highlights several major aspects of the proposed Malaysian Code and contrasts them with UK Corporate Governance Codes. Comparisons are made on their origins, compliance, board structure and key committees. Preliminary findings suggest that UK Codes are voluntary and largely business driven whereas the proposed Malaysian Code, is regulatory driven. It suggests a more highly regulated business environment in Malaysia to ensure effective compliance and enforcement. As many Malaysian listed companies are owned by controlling and substantial shareholders who heavily influence the appointment of chief executive officers, improvements in the corporate governance standards are essential to protect minority shareholders, restore investor confidence and conform with national socio-economic objectives.

Corporate Governance in Small Companies - the Alternative Investment Market

This paper examines corporate governance in small companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) which was established in the UK in 1995. The London Stock Exchange rules stipulate that each company wishing to join AIM must have a nominated advisor and broker. The nominated advisor is seen as playing a key role in AIM companies, enjoying an ongoing advisory relationship as well as playing a monitoring role. The presence of the nominated advisor may, in some ways, mean that less emphasis is placed on formal corporate governance structures, as the nominated advisor does have a close relationship with the company it advises. The formal aspects of corporate governance are analysed in terms of disclosures in the admission document put forward by AIM companies coming to market. Preliminary findings suggest AIM companies brought onto the market by a nominated advisor who also acts as the nominated broker pay more attention to the Cadbury Code on corporate governance. Also, the study suggests AIM companies raising no new capital on admission possess relatively weaker corporate governance structures. The success of AIM, with over 240 companies having joined in the first 18 months of its existence, means that our findings have implications for policy-makers involved in corporate governance not only in the UK but also for those involved in the establishment of markets for small companies in a global context.

Factors influencing corporate governance disclosures: evidence from Alternative Investment Market (AIM) companies in the UK

This study examines the relationship between company and ownership characteristics and the disclosure level of compliance with Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA) recommendations on corporate governance in Alternative Investment Market (AIM) companies. We report clear evidence that compliance increases with company size, board size, the proportion of independent non-executive directors, the presence of turnover revenue, and being formerly listed on the Main Market. However, we find that shell and highly geared AIM companies disclose relatively lower levels of corporate governance than recommended under QCA guidelines. Our findings suggest that market regulators should review the potential impact of the quality of corporate governance in these companies on the future vibrancy of AIM. We find no evidence that ownership structure or the type of Nominated Advisor is related to disclosure of compliance with QCA guidelines. Overall, in a lightly regulated environment such as the AIM market, it seems that companies will ultimately pursue a cost–benefit strategy in voluntarily complying with good corporate governance practice.

The UK Alternative Investment Market – Ethical Dimensions

The UK Alternative Investment Market (AIM) was launched in 1995 and has been a great success with over 1200 companies now listed. In this article, we examine the development of AIM as it reaches its 15th year and discuss the potential pitfalls of the light touch regulation that is one of the attractions of AIM and identify potential corporate governance and ethical issues that may arise as a result of light touch regulation. We examine the central role of the nominated advisor (NOMAD) and draw on the findings of in depth interviews with 25 AIM participants including AIM company directors, institutional investors, nominated advisors and brokers. We highlight the influence of the NOMAD on these participants and potential governance and ethical implications. We also discuss some of the concerns that AIM participants have about the market. We examine some of the recent scandals on AIM to determine why these scandals occurred – were they, for example, attributable to corporate governance weaknesses? Finally, we offer some concluding comments to discuss the future of AIM. The findings of the article have important implications for investors and policymakers alike.

Determinants of corporate dividend policy in Greece

This article examines the determinants of corporate dividend policy of listed firms in Greece as a case study of an emerging market country. The analysis is based on 945 firm year observations of 63 nonfinancial firms which paid dividends annually from 1993 to 2007. The study uses the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to estimate the firm level factors that may determine why firms distribute dividends. We find that size, profitability and liquidity factors increase the probability to pay dividends. However, investment opportunities, financial leverage and business risk decrease the likelihood to pay dividends. On the whole, the findings lend support for the information asymmetry and agency cost theories. In addition, the factors that influence dividend policy in developed markets also appear to apply for this emerging market country.

FRS 13 and corporate governance: a fund management perspective

The use of derivative instruments such as futures, options and swaps has become increasingly widespread in the last twenty years, particularly among large companies in economies with well-developed financial markets. This paper examines the impact of Financial Reporting Standard 13: Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments – Disclosures (FRS 13 hereafter) on isues relating to corporate governance. In particular, the researchers employ an interview survey to investigate: (i) UK institutional investors’ general attitudes towards the recent introduction of FRS 13; and (ii) whether the introduction of FRS 13 has any implications for corporate governance. The results to date indicate that institutional investors may not be treated as a homogeneous group with respect to their expressed views of FRS 13.

The Development of the UK Alternative Investment Market: Its Growth and Governance Challenges

The UK Alternative Investment Market (AIM) was launched in 1995 and has been a great success. In this chapter we examine the development of AIM and its attraction for both UK and overseas companies seeking a UK listing. We detail the structural characteristics of AIM examining the role played by the nominated advisor (NOMAD), and the corporate governance requirements for AIM companies. We highlight the distribution of companies on AIM from various overseas countries and from various industries. The key corporate governance disclosures drawn from annual reports pre and post AIM Rule 26 are discussed in mini-case studies based on four AIM companies, two being incorporated in the UK and two non-UK incorporated. We also contextualise AIM comparing it to other junior markets globally. Finally we have some concluding comments about AIM and its future development.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance in Islamic Banks

This paper examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance in Islamic banks. Using a comprehensive CSR index covering ten dimensions, we analyse the CSR disclosures in a sample of 90 Islamic banks across 13 countries. The CSR disclosure index shows that Islamic banks engage across the range of social activities, both as individual banks and as countries. However Islamic banks seem to show more commitment to the vision and mission, the board and top management, and the financial product/services dimensions, whilst least attention is paid to the environment dimension. Islamic banks also show a considerable awareness of the mandatory disclosure recommendations of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) however, they pay less attention to the voluntary CSR disclosure. Moreover, we find a pronounced emphasis in Islamic banks strategy towards more universal disclosures, suggesting the legitimacy of these banks is reinforced through disclosure to the wider stakeholder community . The empirical analysis highlights a positive association between CSR disclosure and financial performance. We also find a positive and highly significant association between the Shari’ah supervisory board (SSB) size and CSR disclosure index. Finally, the results of the three-stage least squares estimation show that the causality between the two endogenous variables runs from financial performance to CSR disclosure. Thus CSR disclosure is determined by financial performance.

Corporate Governance in Bangladesh: A Comparison with Other Emerging Market Countries

Corporate governance has developed a higher profile in recent years in many emerging markets. Bangladesh as an emerging country provides an interesting case study. Whilst its economy has achieved an impressive growth rate, weak governance has caused an increasing number of companies to fail. Governance codes have been developed in many other emerging countries including Bangladesh and a comparative analysis may ascertain if their provisions are internationally compatible. This chapter discusses the theoretical framework and outlines the various governance codes and guidelines in Bangladesh and contrasts them with the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance as well as those codes in India and Pakistan. Using case studies and examples, we illustrate the key corporate governance characteristics typically found in companies in these countries. We highlight the common governance features and discuss their differences. Our chapter outlines a number of the practical and policy implications for corporate governance in the emerging markets of Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.