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Loan collateral and financial reporting conservatism: Chinese evidence

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  • Chen, Jeff Zeyun
  • Lobo, Gerald J.
  • Wang, Yanyan
  • Yu, Lisheng

Abstract

We examine the relation between the use of collateral and financial reporting conservatism for a sample of Chinese firms. In the absence of flexibility in risk pricing through interest rates and strong contract enforcement in China, we find that lenders reduce collateral requirements from more conservative borrowers and that this negative relation is significantly moderated by borrowers’ poor credit quality and low asset tangibility. Our finding that conservatism can result in a tangible benefit in the form of lower collateral requirements indicates that lenders value financial reporting conservatism. However, the benefit from financial reporting conservatism is muted as lenders become more concerned about borrowers’ default risk or ability to pledge tangible assets as collateral against loans.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Jeff Zeyun & Lobo, Gerald J. & Wang, Yanyan & Yu, Lisheng, 2013. "Loan collateral and financial reporting conservatism: Chinese evidence," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(12), pages 4989-5006.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:37:y:2013:i:12:p:4989-5006
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2013.09.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Loan collateral; Financial reporting conservatism; Debt contracting; Default risk; Asset tangibility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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