The authors challenge widespread beliefs that business accounting practices are neutral and involve the mere reporting of objective data, revealing how easily balance sheets can be manipulated.

World Bank Discussion Paper No. 362. There has been tremendous growth worldwide in the mobilization of financial resources outside traditional banking systems. Channeled mainly through capital markets, such rapid financial diversification is posing new challenges for regulators in many emerging markets. This document describes the various aspects and implications of this growth, reviews the regulatory framework adopted in some mature market economies, including the United States and the European Union, and discusses regulatory issues in emerging markets.