Firm attributes and discretionary disclosures of financial institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Investors and other stakeholders require corporate reports that are comprehensive and informative in order to make sound economic decisions. However, few entities voluntarily disclose information about their performance and activities beyond mandatory reporting frameworks. This study examined the influence of firm attributes on discretionary disclosure of listed financial services firms in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. The analysis revealed that the selected firm attributes jointly exerted a positive and significant effect on discretionary disclosure. The isolated effects were mixed. The study concluded that firm attributes affect the extent of discretionary disclosure of information by the financial firms in Nigeria and recommended that the management of firms should be intentional in disclosing non-mandatory information to meet the need of users and possibly enhance the reputation and brand value of their firms.