Critics condemn FASB proposals

FASB has received an avalanche of protest letters in response to plans that would shake up how companies account for debt securities held in ‘available-for-sale’ portfolios, which represent around 90% of securities held by banks. Saskia Scholtes reports

A litany of corporate governance crises in recent years has ushered in a raft of reforms with the aim of protecting investors through greater financial transparency and corporate responsibility. And yet the task of regulator is often a thankless one, as any reforms can also have the sometimes unintended consequence of altering the competitive landscapes of the industries they relate to.

Striking the right balance between safeguarding investors and maintaining efficient markets can be challenging