Mandatory Adoption Of IFRS And Earnings Transparency In Korea

Abstract

We investigate the relation between mandatory adoption of IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and earnings transparency in Korea. We define transparency of earnings as how well it explains a firm value. Financial reporting mitigates information risks of the firm by lessening information asymmetry between insiders and outsiders of a firm. If accounting information produced after adopting IFRS better explains a firm value, then, it will reduce information asymmetry and information risks of the firm, resulting in enhancement of earnings transparency. We measure earnings transparency based on Barth, Konchitchki, and Landsman et al. (2013) and Cheng and Subramanyam (2008).

The sample is 2,276 which are listed on Korea stock exchange over 2008-2014. The empirical result shows adopting IFRS is significantly positive with earnings transparency, which means it mitigates information asymmetry, enhancing earnings transparency in Korea.

Our study is distinguished from prior studies because we empirically examine influence of adopting IFRS on earnings transparency of Korea. Our result implies adopting IFRS contributes to higher earnings transparency which helps market participants make decisions.