Multiple blockholder structures are a widespread phenomenon in the U.S. The theoretical literature, however, provides conflicting predictions on whether a single large blockholder or a set of dispersed smaller blockholders is better for firm value. Using U.S. data, we find a negative...

We investigate the role played by institutional development in the prevalence and value of family firms, while controlling for the potential effect of cultural norms. China provides a good research lab since it combines great heterogeneity in institutional development across the Chinese...

In this paper I test for and model volatility jumps for the General Index (GD) of the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), expanding the previous literature on the ASE in various ways. Using intraday data I first construct various state-of-the-art realized volatility estimators which I then use in...

Abstract: In this paper we compare market prices of credit default swaps with model prices. We show that a simple reduced form model with a constant recovery rate outperforms the market practice of directly comparing bonds' credit spreads to default swap premiums. We find that the model works...

An analysis of a unique proprietary dataset reveals that non-trivial proportions of directors, CEOs and CFOs in Swedish listed companies have been convicted of crimes. Based on prior literature, we argue that directors and senior executives with prior criminal convictions are more prone to take...

This paper analyses a longitudinal dataset on legal protection of shareholders over a 36 year period, 970-2005 for four advanced countries, UK, France, Germany and the US. It examines two aspects of the legal origin hypothesis - whether shareholder protection is higher in the common law...

In this paper the educational backgrounds of the Highest Paid Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in the United States are examined. Specifically, the extent to which the specific degree earned affects the salary received and other variables are examined. The data for the study is the Forbes 800 CEO...

In this paper the educational background of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Large U.S. Firms are examined. Specifically, the educational background of CEOs from large U.S. firms, as identified in the Forbes 800 Compensation List, are examined. Information concerning the number of Chief...

We have to consider that natural laws dictate all aspects of our life. These are the First and the Second Law of Thermodynamics. It is therefore necessary to look into details of this fact in order to avoid making mistakes redarding the future life of mankind. To violate these laws could have...

Shareholders in corporations face two very different types of governance problems: expropriation by controlling shareholders or managers; and expropriation by greedy rulers or, more generally, by the state. The problem is that the more successful investors are protecting their capital from the...