Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the issues faced by institutional investors looking to invest in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. In particular, the paper seeks to ascertain the views of practitioners on the reasons for undertaking CEE investment, the structures...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the various methods and techniques used by Greek investors (both professional and individuals) when evaluating potential additions to their investment portfolios. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses both a questionnaire survey...

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to report on a comprehensive survey of corporate financing decision‐making process in Sri Lankan listed companies and to compare these results with those of similar studies conducted in developed markets. Design/methodology/approach – The study was...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the interest rate risk management (IRRM) practices of UK companies. In particular, the study examines five theories that have been advanced in the literature to explain why companies hedge: tax and regulatory arbitrage; under‐investment,...

Purpose – This paper sets out the reasons for putting together a special issue of the Journal on Qualitative Research in Finance, discussing the pedigree of the approach, and outlining the articles contained therein. Design/methodology/approach – The approach adopted in this paper involves...

This paper examines the determinants of external credit ratings attained by insurance firms in the United Kingdom (UK) and of the likelihood that insurers will have such an assessment. Using panel data relating to A.M. Best-rated and Standard and Poor's (S&P)-rated insurers over the period...

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the views of Dublin-based financial analysts and major Irish fund managers on dividends. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses semi-structured interviews with 16 participants and analyses their responses concerning the role of dividends in the...

Purpose – This study aims to provide a modern perspective on the role of dividends in smaller developed countries such as Ireland by examining views regarding the determinants of payout levels, the role of taxation and the relevance of conventional signalling theory....

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the views of Dublin‐based financial analysts and major Irish fund managers on dividends. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses semi‐structured interviews with 16 participants and analyses their responses concerning the role of dividends in the...