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Legal systems and the financing of working capital

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  • Troilo, Michael
  • Walkup, Brian R.
  • Abe, Masato
  • Lee, Seulki

Abstract

This study builds on the existing law and finance literature by analyzing the impact of legal systems on both the level and the sourcing of working capital. We find that stronger rule of law results in lower levels of working capital, less sourcing from retained earnings, and more sourcing from banks. Firms in common-law regimes have lower levels of working capital and finance it from banks, while firms from civil-law environments rely on retained earnings and other financial institutions for sourcing. The impact of legal origin on both the level and the sourcing of working capital is mixed.

Suggested Citation

  • Troilo, Michael & Walkup, Brian R. & Abe, Masato & Lee, Seulki, 2019. "Legal systems and the financing of working capital," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 641-656.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:64:y:2019:i:c:p:641-656
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2018.01.010
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    3. Wei Yu & Jianjun Jia & Ying Zheng, 2023. "Political uncertainty and corporate working capital in China," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 61(3), pages 927-966, October.
    4. Grzegorz Zimon & Dominik Zimon, 2020. "Quality Management Systems and Working Capital SMEs in GPO—A Case of Poland," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-13, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Legal systems; Rule of law; Legal tradition; Legal origins; Working capital;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G38 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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