Improving Transparency in the Financial Sector

Abstract

The financial crisis in late 2008 and its aftershocks demonstrated the need for a serious reform of the U.S. financial regulatory system. This article examines the role of e-government in improving the transparency and accountability of the regulatory system. It emphasizes eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), an information standard that can improve financial transparency by making reported financial activity information machine-readable and comparable. The article draws from e-government studies, collaborative public management literature, and management information systems (MIS) literature to develop a strategic model of e-government XBRL implementation. The proposed model consists of an overarching leadership and governance strategy with three interrelated areas of activity: stakeholder relationship management, phase-in implementation, and value articulation and clarification. The implementation process and success factors articulated in the model are illustrated by the SEC's effort to implement XBRL. The conclusion presents policy and management lessons for better e-government implementation of XBRL and for improving transparency in regulatory systems.

Keywords:

• e-government
• financial regulation
• implementation
• transparency
• XBRL