This paper shows that the informativeness principle, as originally formulated by Holmstrom (1979), does not hold if the first-order approach is invalid. We introduce a "generalized informativeness principle" that takes into account non-local incentive constraints and holds generically, even...

We describe a new type of bank liability, reverse convertible bonds, that help prevent bank runs that lead to bank failures (ex-post), and inefficient risk-taking (ex-ante). These bonds are short-term debt that automatically convert into equity following a missed debt repayment. They can be...

The informativeness principle demonstrates that a contract should depend on informative signals. This paper studies how it should do so. Signals that indicate the output distribution has shifted to the left (e.g. weak industry performance) reduce the threshold for the manager to be paid; those...

The paper presents a theory of optimal transparency when financial institutions are exposed to rollover risk. Transparency enhances the stability of the financial system during crises but has destabilizing effects in normal economic times. Thus, the regulator optimally increases transparency...

We present a theory of optimal transparency when banks are exposed to rollover risk. Disclosing bank-specific information enhances the stability of the financial system during crises, but has a destabilizing effect in normal economic times. Thus, the regulator optimally increases transparency...

This paper shows that the informativeness principle does not automatically extend to settings with limited liability. Even if a signal is informative about effort, it may have no value for contracting. An agent with limited liability is paid zero for certain output realizations. Thus, even if...

We propose a new methodology to identify non-compliance with FASB guidance with respect to the dividend yield and the volatility rate for stock option valuation disclosures. The FASB gives firms some flexibility in choosing these parameters. Accordingly, we take into account a number of...

This paper studies optimal executive pay when the CEO is concerned about fairness: if his wage falls below a perceived fair share of output, the CEO suffers disutility that is increasing in the discrepancy. Fairness concerns do not lead to fair wages always being paid -- to induce effort, the...

Existing theories of debt consider a single contractible performance measure ("output"). In reality, many other performance signals are also available. It may seem that debt is no longer optimal; for example, if the signals are sufficiently positive, the agent should receive a payment even if...