Corporate governance impact on risk disclosure in Shariah-compliant financial firms of Kuwait

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance characteristics and risk disclosure in Shariah-compliant financial firms operating in Kuwait. It aims to provide insights into the factors influencing risk disclosure practices within these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used manual content analysis to quantify risk disclosure levels in the annual reports of 47 Shariah-compliant financial companies listed in Kuwait in 2020. Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of various corporate governance factors on the extent of risk disclosure.

Findings

The study reveals that while Kuwaiti Shariah-compliant firms exhibit limited risk disclosure in their annual reports, larger boards and committees, along with a higher number of independent directors, positively influence the level of risk disclosure. Interestingly, the size of the Shariah supervisory boards did not show a significant impact on risk disclosure practices.

Practical implications

These findings hold regulatory implications for Kuwait, highlighting the need to ensure information adequacy and promote market efficiency. Additionally, they offer practical insights for managers and investors seeking to optimize fund sourcing and diversify investment portfolios within the context of Shariah-compliant financial institutions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between corporate governance characteristics and risk disclosure in the specific context of Shariah-compliant financial firms operating in Kuwait. Furthermore, it identifies avenues for future research to delve into the influence of additional governance factors on risk disclosure practices within this unique financial landscape.