The effect of IFRS 16 on the attitude of sophisticated and unsophisticated lenders towards loan contracting

Abstract

This research describes the effect of IFRS 16 on the attitude of sophisticated lenders towards loan contracting. The goal of IFRS 16 was to enhance reporting quality and provide a more faithful representation of the financial statements. Data from 3,955 firms using IFRS and 1,433 using US GAAP were analyzed. Firms reporting under IFRS obtained larger loan sizes, although the difference with firms reporting under US GAAP is insignificant. They also received lower borrowing rates, and shorter maturities. IFRS 16 has a reinforcing effect towards loan contracting for sophisticated lenders, defined as banks, for the borrowing rate and maturities. For loan size, IFRS 16 has a reinforcing effect for unsophisticated lenders, defined as trade creditors.