Impact of International Financial Reporting Standards on Cost of equity Capital for Asian countries

Abstract

The present study examines whether adoption of IFRS reduces Cost of equity Capital for firms in Asia. The sample consists of firms from four Asian Countries, namely China, Hong Kong, Israel and Philippines, where IFRS has been made mandatory. Data for six years covering the period from 2006-2011 has been taken for analysis. Different types of panel data estimates were used and compared so as to interpret the results with the best suited parameters for different data sets for different countries. The results vary for different countries. The firms in Hong Kong and Philippines get benefit from the reduction in their cost of equity capital after adopting IFRS, but for firms in China and Israel cost of equity capital increased. It is also evident from the study that other firm specific control variables have no impact on cost of equity capital. The study contributes to the understanding of economic consequences of adopting IFRS across Asian countries. The findings would be important not only to countries that have already adopted IFRS, but also to countries that are in the process of adopting the standard. The outcomes will have important implications for the regulators, practitioners, academicians and auditors, as well as end-users of financial statements.