Chapter 4 Flashcards
(107 cards)
What is the primary purpose of the corporate governance framework?
A) To ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in a company’s relationship with stakeholders
B) To maximize profits for shareholders
C) To regulate employee performance
D) To establish marketing strategies
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Corporate governance ensures accountability, fairness, and transparency in company interactions with stakeholders (financiers, customers, employees, government, etc.).
Which legislation is central to the corporate governance framework in the UK?
A) The Companies Act 2006
B) The Financial Services Act 2012
C) The Data Protection Act 2018
D) The Employment Rights Act 1996
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Companies Act 2006 is a foundational law guiding corporate governance in the UK.
Which organization is responsible for the UK Corporate Governance Code?
A) The Financial Reporting Council (FRC)
B) The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
C) The London Stock Exchange (LSE)
D) The Bank of England
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) oversees the UK Corporate Governance Code, which sets corporate governance principles for LSE-listed companies.
What is the role of the UK Listing Rules in corporate governance?
A) To regulate companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE)
B) To provide ethical guidelines for directors
C) To establish financial reporting standards
D) To manage stakeholder relationships
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The UK Listing Rules, overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulate LSE-listed companies.
What is considered best practice for companies not listed on the LSE in the UK?
A) Adopting equivalent approaches to corporate governance as those listed on the LSE
B) Following the Financial Services Act 2012
C) Implementing the Data Protection Act 2018
D) Developing their own unique governance framework
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The UK Corporate Governance Code is regarded as best practice, even for non-LSE-listed companies.
What was the first full corporate governance code in the UK?
A) The Cadbury Report
B) The Combined Code
C) The Companies Act 2006 D) The UK Corporate Governance Code
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Cadbury Report (1992) was the first full corporate governance code, introduced to address corporate failures and improve transparency.
Which organization is responsible for the UK Corporate Governance Code?
A) The Financial Reporting Council (FRC)
B) The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
C) The London Stock Exchange (LSE)
D) The Bank of England
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) oversees the UK Corporate Governance Code, promoting transparency and integrity in business.
What is the primary role of the Board according to the 2024 Code?
A) To promote the long-term sustainable success of the company
B) To maximize short-term profits
C) To manage day-to-day operations
D) To oversee marketing strategies
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Board’s primary role is to promote the company’s long-term sustainable success, benefiting shareholders and wider society.
What does the term “going concern” mean in accounting?
A) A company that is planning to cease operations B) A company that has declared bankruptcy
C) A company that has the resources to continue operating indefinitely
D) A company that is undergoing liquidation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: “Going concern” refers to a company that has the resources needed to continue operating indefinitely unless evidence suggests otherwise.
What should companies identify regarding their ability to trade as a going concern?
A) Their marketing strategies B) Any material uncertainties C) Their employee satisfaction levels
D) Their profit margins
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Companies should identify any material uncertainties that could affect their ability to trade as a going concern.
What should companies assess and explain in relation to risk management?
A) Their financial statements B) Their employee performance
C) Their marketing strategies D) Their principal risks and how they are being managed
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Companies should assess their principal risks and explain how they are being managed to ensure effective risk management.
How often should companies monitor their risk management and internal control systems?
A) Every quarter
B) Every two years
C) At least annually
D) Every six months
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Companies should monitor their risk management and internal control systems at least annually to ensure they remain effective.
Is compliance with the Corporate Governance Code a legal requirement?
A) Yes, it is mandatory under UK law
B) No, but it is part of the Stock Exchange Listing Rules C) Yes, but only for private companies
D) No, it is entirely voluntary
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Compliance with the Corporate Governance Code is not a legal requirement, but it is part of the Stock Exchange Listing Rules.
Where must companies state their compliance with the Corporate Governance Code?
A) In their annual report
B) In their marketing materials
C) In their quarterly financial statements
D) In their employee handbook
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Companies are required to state their compliance with the Corporate Governance Code in their annual report.
What must companies do if they are not fully compliant with the Corporate Governance Code?
A) Ignore the non-compliance B) Provide an explanation detailing where they are not compliant and why
C) Submit a formal apology to the Stock Exchange
D) Resign from the Stock Exchange
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Companies must explain in their annual report where they are not compliant with the Code and provide reasons for the non-compliance.
Which regulatory framework includes the Corporate Governance Code?
A) The Companies Act 2006 B) The Stock Exchange Listing Rules
C) The Financial Conduct Authority Regulations
D) The UK Tax Code
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Corporate Governance Code is included as part of the Stock Exchange Listing Rules.
Where must companies state their compliance with the Corporate Governance Code?
A) In their annual report
B) In their marketing materials
C) In their quarterly financial statements
D) In their employee handbook
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Companies are required to state their compliance with the Corporate Governance Code in their annual report.
Which organization issued an updated version of the Turnbull Report in 2005?
A) The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
B) The London Stock Exchange (LSE)
C) The Financial Reporting Council (FRC)
D) The Bank of England
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In October 2005, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) issued an updated version of the Turnbull Report titled ‘Internal control: guidance for directors on the combined code.’
What was the title of the updated guidance issued by the FRC in 2005?
A) ‘Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting’
B) ‘Internal control: guidance for directors on the combined code’
C) ‘Corporate Governance Code Guidance’
D) ‘Turnbull Report: Revised Edition’
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The updated guidance issued by the FRC in 2005 was titled ‘Internal control: guidance for directors on the combined code.’
To which companies does the UK Corporate Governance Code primarily apply?
A) Non-listed companies only B) Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange
C) Mutual insurers exclusively D) All UK companies
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The UK Corporate Governance Code applies to companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, although many non-listed companies also follow the Code.
What does the AFM Annotated Corporate Governance Code for Mutual Insurers adapt the role of shareholders to?
A) Members
B) Stakeholders
C) Employees D) Directors
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The AFM Annotated Corporate Governance Code for Mutual Insurers adapts the role of shareholders to members, reflecting the structure of mutual insurers.
What type of directors does the Metropolitan Police Friendly Society appoint?
A) Financial auditors as directors
B) Retired police officers as non-executive directors
C) Shareholders as directors D) Current police officers as executive directors
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Metropolitan Police Friendly Society appoints certain non-executive directors who are retired police officers to represent the interests of its members.
When did the FRC publish the updated Audit Committees and the External Audit: Minimum Standard?
A) 2014
B) 2023
C) 2005
D) 2018
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The FRC published the updated Audit Committees and the External Audit: Minimum Standard in 2023.
What is the current compliance basis for the Minimum Standard?
A) Comply or explain
B) Mandatory compliance ,
C) Voluntary compliance
D) No compliance required
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Minimum Standard currently operates on a comply or explain basis until the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority (ARGA) is created with the power to mandate compliance.