We study the propensity of firms to commit financial fraud using a sample of SEC enforcement actions from 2000 to 2006. Controlling for year effects, Fama-French 48-industry effects, and several firm characteristics, we find a significant relation between fraud probability and CEO-board...

We study the relation between fraud and CEO-board connectedness. While nonprofessional connections due to shared non-business service or alma mater increase fraud probability, professional connections from employment overlaps lower the incidence of fraud. The benefits of professional...

We test whether a director's diversity relative to the rest of the board explains two important labor market outcomes, retention and promotion. We find that the results are asymmetric across diversity dimensions and outcomes. Retention is more likely but promotion is less likely for...

We examine the domestic and cross-border acquisition decision of Indian firms in the nine-year period from 2002 to 2010, a period following liberalization in the economy. Acquisition activity both domestic and cross-border has increased over the period. We find that larger, younger firms, firms...

We examine world stock market comovement for 23 countries over 30-years from 1981 to 2010 -- a period that includes major changes in international trade institutions, capital market regulations, and the advent of the internet era. Our analysis is based on a generalized factor model that allows...

The African economy provides an investment opportunity for International players both in terms of procuring natural resources and opening up a potential one billion consumer market. Along with the vast investment potential, on the downside firms face challenges that come from investing into...

This thesis develops an economic analysis of securities fraud. The thesis consists of a theory essay and an empirical essay. In the theory essay, I analyze a firm's propensity to commit securities fraud and the real consequences of fraud. I show that fraud can lead to investment distortions. I...

We study a robo-advising portfolio optimizer that constructs tailored strategies based on in- vestors’ holdings and preferences. Adopters are similar to non-adopters in terms of demographics, but have more assets under management, trade more, and have higher risk-adjusted performance. The...