Three attributes are included
in this subindex. (1) Using one of the Big Four as the
firm’s auditor – Most listed companies appoint one of
the Big Four as auditors, with about 10% of
companies appointing other auditors. By employing
a Big Four auditor, a firm may increase its reputation
with respect to CG and improve the reporting of its
accounts. (2) Fully complies with the code of best
practices – There are various codes of best practice in
use throughout the world. Although using the HK
code of best practices is not mandatory, if a company
fails to comply fully with it, it must explain this
failure. Investors typically value a firm more highly if
it complies with the code. (3) Issues American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs) in the US market –
Firms that issue ADRs are expected to conform to
stricter regulations and accounting standards; investors
may therefore be willing to pay a slight premium
for such firms. Most of HK’s ADRs are level 1, which
does not require compliance with US Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards.
We should expect, however, that most firms
adhere to US standards voluntarily, to attract international
investors.