Forum

I’m doing research for a white paper on the growing load of disclosures that companies must make to government regulators, investors, capital providers, etc. Corporate controllers and finance directors tell me that regulators have gone overboard in the wake of the global financial crisis—some companies now feel the need to address risks in ways that are inane, just to keep regulators at bay. Some even say that the rising level of disclosure clutter is inserting more risk into the financial disclosure process.

I am hoping to hear from members of this online community (wherever you are on the world) on this topic. Here are a few “thought starter” questions:

(1)  What concerns are you hearing from corporate finance professionals who have responsibility for preparing and filing official financial statements with regulators?

(2)  Are company boards adding to the problem or helping?

(3)  How is this trend manifesting itself in Europe or Asia?

(4)  Are the consequences of errors in external reporting greater now, and if so why?

(5)  What would you advise CFOs/Finance Directors who want to shore up the management of disclosures?

(6)  Other observations you’d like to make? What am I missing?