This paper examines how financial reporting regulations affect, and respond to,
macroeconomic cycles by exploring a positive framework in which regulators subject
to political pressures respond to cyclical demands by borrowers and lenders. We
establish that, as economic conditions initially decline, political power shifts toward
interest groups favoring less financial transparency. What follows is a counter-cyclical
increase in economic activity, as more non-reporting loans are financed, possibly
coincidental with more aggregate uncertainty. During a recession, reporting quality is
increased, potentially causing a crisis-like adjustment of economic activity to the cycle.
We also discuss implications for event studies, bank lobbying, mark-to-market and cost
of capital.