Can Sarbanes-Oxley influence investors’ trust?

What is a ‘fair’ price for fairness? New research from Washington University’s Olin School of Business reveals that a just system of governance may not enhance trust when returns do not meet investors’ expectations. This is sobering news for businesses that have spent countless hours and large amounts of money complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in the hopes of building stronger corporate governance. More…

Media, SEC members, attorneys, business leaders and academics to examine impact of corporate governance reforms Sept. 29-Oct. 1

Over the past five years, corporate governance has undergone historic changes. In addition to new policies enacted by state judiciaries and attorneys general, Congress adopted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission enacted important securities law reforms, and the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ reformed listing standards. The world’s leading experts on corporate governance will come together to discuss the impact of these changes during a conference at Washington University in St. Louis Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.

Business experts to visit Olin School of Business for conference on corporate governance

Business experts from all over the world will come to the Olin School of Business at Washington University to participate in a three-day conference on corporate governance Nov. 11 to 13. “Key Issues in Corporate Governance,” co-sponsored by the Olin School, the Center for Research in Economics and Strategy (CRES), and the Journal of Financial Intermediation, will be held at the Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center. The conference will feature two days of academic presentations and a third day devoted to panel discussions among senior corporate executives, policymakers and academics. Topics include financial markets and corporate governance regulation in the United States and similar issues in the European Union.

Controversial Sarbanes-Oxley provision important part of corporate reform

ParedesWith the final provision of Sarbanes-Oxley now in effect, lawyers are required to report corporate wrongdoing. Although many lawyers are concerned that this may breach attorney/client privilege, Troy Paredes, associate professor of law at the Washington University School of Law, says, “The requirement that lawyers report ‘up the ladder’ if they are aware of a material violation is an important part of the Sarbanes-Oxley reforms.” Paredes notes that lawyers are an important gatekeeper that the market depends on to help oversee management.