This paper attempts to determine the relationship between the dividend policy of financial firms and a number of
ownership and board control variables as well as two governance provisions—cumulative voting and staggered
boards. Agency theory contends that dividends can be used as a substitute control device when ownership, board
or governance provisions are unfavorable for shareholders. The evidence indicates that firms with lower CEO,
institutional and hedge fund ownership pay higher dividends. Also, cumulative voting has a greater impact on
dividend policy than staggered boards. These results suggest that firms adjust their dividend policy in response to
control changes caused by ownership structure and governance provisions.