finance

The recent challenges in financial accounting report requires the accounting profession to uphold transparency in the preparation of financial statements for users of such financial information. One of these challenges includes the application of unethical accounting in the presentation of financial report by management of an organization. Therefore, it is the responsibility of accountants in producing a standard, accurate, concise, and timely financial report applying accounting ethics in order to prevent frauds and misleading to the users of such information. The study’s main objective was to examine the role of ethics on the quality of financial report in commercial banks while the specific objective was to evaluate how integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality and professional behaviour relates with the quality of financial reports of commercial banks in Nigeria. The research design employed in this study was cross sectional survey. Target population received copies of questionnaire and 102 responses were subsequently collected. The findings highlight the significant role of ethical principles particularly integrity, objectivity, and professional competence in enhancing financial reporting quality. This finding underscores the crucial role of integrity in certifying correct and reliable financial report, aligning with prior studies that highlight integrity as a cornerstone of ethical financial management. The relationship between integrity and the quality of financial reports is significant. Objectivity and professional competence showed significant relationship with financial reporting quality. While confidentiality and professional behaviour showed negative associations with financial reporting quality, their effects were not statistically relevant. This indicates that although confidentiality is vital for protecting sensitive financial information, excessive secrecy may hinder transparency and accountability, ultimately affecting financial reporting quality. In light of the results, the study recommends the necessity for organisations to strengthen ethical governance and ensure that financial professionals adhere to good ethical principles to improve credibility of financial reporting.

This study examined the influence of fair value accounting on firm value among thirteen deposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over the period 2013–2023. The study specifically investigated the effects of institutional ownership, investor reaction, leverage, firm size, compliance, and audit fees on firm value. Secondary data were collected from the audited annual reports of the sampled banks and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel least squares regression in EViews 13. The descriptive analysis revealed moderate firm value, high institutional ownership, large firm size, and significant investment in audit fees, while the correlation analysis showed weak relationships among the study variables, indicating no multicollinearity concerns. Regression results indicated that none of the independent variables had a statistically significant impact on firm value, with the model explaining only 2% of the variation in firm value (R² = 0.0204). The findings suggest that fair value accounting, as proxied by the selected measures, does not significantly influence the valuation of Nigerian banks. It is concluded that other factors, including external market conditions and unobserved firm-specific characteristics, may play a more substantial role in determining firm value. The study recommends that bank management, investors, and regulators consider broader financial, operational, and market factors in evaluating firm performance and valuation.

This study examines the effects of financial literacy on personal finance safety among adults. The research specifically investigates the influence of basic financial knowledge, budgeting skills, saving behavior, and credit management ability on individuals’ capacity to achieve financial security. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires to a sample of 300 respondents selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The instrument was validated by experts, and its reliability was confirmed through a pilot test, which produced Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis with the aid of EViews 13 statistical software. The findings revealed that the financial literacy dimensions collectively have a significant effect on personal finance safety. Specifically, budgeting skills, saving behavior, and credit management ability were found to be strong predictors of personal finance safety, while basic financial knowledge showed a moderate relationship. The study concludes that improved financial literacy enhances individuals’ financial resilience, reduces exposure to fraud, and promotes better financial decision-making. It recommends that financial education initiatives be intensified by policymakers, financial institutions, and educational bodies to strengthen personal finance safety and promote long-term financial well-being