Banks fail with alarming frequency, resulting in large losses of taxpayer money. A key factor in the high failure rate is the flawed governance mechanism, which exacerbates the risks inherent in banking. Bankers control a lot of other people's money and have much discretion over the information...

Changes in corporate control-through mergers, takeovers, acquisitions, divestitures, and the like-enhance shareholders' value. They allow the businesses to be transferred to the control of new owners who can put business assets to work more efficiently. In most countries, however, the market for...

Following the wave of recent financial turmoil, many developing countries have learned the value of an effective bankruptcy system in deterring excessive use of debt and providing an orderly way to resolve a debt crisis. As a result, they are now reforming their bankruptcy systems, generally...

In all but a few advanced countries most publicly listed corporations are closely held, with the main shareholder typically playing an active role in management. In emerging markets firms with active owner-managers provide effective business solutions where business environments are...