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Questions and Answers
RBS was one of the UK's largest financial institutions leading up to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008.
RBS was one of the UK's largest financial institutions leading up to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008.
True
Sir Fred Goodwin was the Chairman of RBS in 2007.
Sir Fred Goodwin was the Chairman of RBS in 2007.
False
The UK Companies Act 2006 outlines a director's duty of care, skill, and diligence.
The UK Companies Act 2006 outlines a director's duty of care, skill, and diligence.
True
Non-executive directors on RBS's board were responsible for making key strategic decisions.
Non-executive directors on RBS's board were responsible for making key strategic decisions.
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Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
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Enron changed its accounting policy to use market-to-market prices, which were manipulated, and moved billions of dollars in debt to shell companies in the Cayman Islands.
Enron changed its accounting policy to use market-to-market prices, which were manipulated, and moved billions of dollars in debt to shell companies in the Cayman Islands.
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The fraud at Enron became unsustainable after Jeff Skilling took over as CEO, leading to the company's collapse in 2001.
The fraud at Enron became unsustainable after Jeff Skilling took over as CEO, leading to the company's collapse in 2001.
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Andrew Fastow and Jeff Skilling were both arrested in connection with the Enron scandal.
Andrew Fastow and Jeff Skilling were both arrested in connection with the Enron scandal.
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The demise of Arthur Andersen was a direct result of the Enron scandal.
The demise of Arthur Andersen was a direct result of the Enron scandal.
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Arthur Andersen faced claims for damages from creditors and shareholders of failed companies, threatening its financial viability.
Arthur Andersen faced claims for damages from creditors and shareholders of failed companies, threatening its financial viability.
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Andersen overlooked the financial fraud at Waste Management and helped cover it up.
Andersen overlooked the financial fraud at Waste Management and helped cover it up.
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Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements at Waste Management, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements at Waste Management, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
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Waste Management was a lucrative client for Andersen, with audit fees totaling $7.5 million and consulting services contributing $11.8 million between 1991 and 1997.
Waste Management was a lucrative client for Andersen, with audit fees totaling $7.5 million and consulting services contributing $11.8 million between 1991 and 1997.
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The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
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The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen did not highlight the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public.
The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen did not highlight the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public.
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RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
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During the crisis, RBS faced decisions on subprime mortgage exposure, capital infusion, and ABN AMRO acquisition
During the crisis, RBS faced decisions on subprime mortgage exposure, capital infusion, and ABN AMRO acquisition
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UK Companies Act 2006 required RBS directors to exercise care, skill, and diligence
UK Companies Act 2006 required RBS directors to exercise care, skill, and diligence
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Corporate governance experts analyze RBS case and its near-collapse
Corporate governance experts analyze RBS case and its near-collapse
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Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
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CFO arrested for fraud, accounting firm fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
CFO arrested for fraud, accounting firm fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
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Bernie Madoff's hedge fund exposed as largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding wealthy investors
Bernie Madoff's hedge fund exposed as largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding wealthy investors
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Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
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Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison and required to forfeit $170 billion
Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison and required to forfeit $170 billion
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Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
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Enron collapsed, shareholders lost as much as $74 billion
Enron collapsed, shareholders lost as much as $74 billion
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CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
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Sir Fred Goodwin was the CEO of RBS during the period leading up to the financial crisis.
Sir Fred Goodwin was the CEO of RBS during the period leading up to the financial crisis.
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The UK Companies Act 2006 emphasizes that directors must act with the level of care, skill, and expertise reasonably expected of someone in their role.
The UK Companies Act 2006 emphasizes that directors must act with the level of care, skill, and expertise reasonably expected of someone in their role.
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Sir Tom McKillop served as the CEO of RBS in 2007.
Sir Tom McKillop served as the CEO of RBS in 2007.
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Non-executive directors on RBS's board were expected to provide independent oversight and governance of the bank's operations.
Non-executive directors on RBS's board were expected to provide independent oversight and governance of the bank's operations.
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Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
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Arthur Andersen overlooked the financial fraud at Waste Management and helped cover it up.
Arthur Andersen overlooked the financial fraud at Waste Management and helped cover it up.
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Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
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The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
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RBS was one of the UK's largest financial institutions leading up to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008.
RBS was one of the UK's largest financial institutions leading up to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008.
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Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
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Sir Fred Goodwin was the Chairman of RBS in 2007.
Sir Fred Goodwin was the Chairman of RBS in 2007.
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Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up.
Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up.
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The UK Companies Act 2006 outlines a director's duty of care, skill, and diligence.
The UK Companies Act 2006 outlines a director's duty of care, skill, and diligence.
Signup and view all the answers
The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen did not highlight the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public.
The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen did not highlight the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public.
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Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements at Waste Management, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements at Waste Management, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
Signup and view all the answers
Waste Management was a lucrative client for Andersen, with audit fees totaling $7.5 million and consulting services contributing $11.8 million between 1991 and 1997.
Waste Management was a lucrative client for Andersen, with audit fees totaling $7.5 million and consulting services contributing $11.8 million between 1991 and 1997.
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RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
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Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
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Bernie Madoff's hedge fund exposed as the largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding wealthy investors
Bernie Madoff's hedge fund exposed as the largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding wealthy investors
Signup and view all the answers
Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
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Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
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Enron collapsed, shareholders lost as much as $74 billion
Enron collapsed, shareholders lost as much as $74 billion
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The CFO of Patisserie Valerie was arrested for fraud, and the accounting firm was fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
The CFO of Patisserie Valerie was arrested for fraud, and the accounting firm was fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
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Enron's CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
Enron's CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
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Arthur Andersen faced claims for damages from creditors and shareholders of failed companies, threatening its financial viability
Arthur Andersen faced claims for damages from creditors and shareholders of failed companies, threatening its financial viability
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The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four
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The demise of Arthur Andersen was a direct result of the Enron scandal
The demise of Arthur Andersen was a direct result of the Enron scandal
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RBS was one of the UK's largest financial institutions leading up to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008
RBS was one of the UK's largest financial institutions leading up to the global financial crisis of 2007-2008
Signup and view all the answers
Sir Fred Goodwin was the Chairman of RBS in 2007.
Sir Fred Goodwin was the Chairman of RBS in 2007.
Signup and view all the answers
Sir Tom McKillop served as the CEO of RBS in 2007.
Sir Tom McKillop served as the CEO of RBS in 2007.
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Non-executive directors on RBS's board were responsible for making key strategic decisions.
Non-executive directors on RBS's board were responsible for making key strategic decisions.
Signup and view all the answers
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
Signup and view all the answers
RBS faced decisions on subprime mortgage exposure, capital infusion, and ABN AMRO acquisition during the financial crisis
RBS faced decisions on subprime mortgage exposure, capital infusion, and ABN AMRO acquisition during the financial crisis
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Patisserie Valerie's CFO was arrested for fraud, and the accounting firm was fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
Patisserie Valerie's CFO was arrested for fraud, and the accounting firm was fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
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Bernie Madoff's hedge fund sustained the illusion of returns and new capital to operate the Ponzi scheme
Bernie Madoff's hedge fund sustained the illusion of returns and new capital to operate the Ponzi scheme
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Enron's CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
Enron's CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
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Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up
Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up
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Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison and required to forfeit $170 billion
Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison and required to forfeit $170 billion
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Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
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RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
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The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four
Signup and view all the answers
The UK Companies Act 2006 required RBS directors to exercise care, skill, and diligence
The UK Companies Act 2006 required RBS directors to exercise care, skill, and diligence
Signup and view all the answers
Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
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Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue
Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue
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Arthur Andersen was directly involved in the financial fraud at Waste Management and helped cover it up.
Arthur Andersen was directly involved in the financial fraud at Waste Management and helped cover it up.
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Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
Enron's CEO Ken Lay was not involved in the manipulation of the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
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Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up.
Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up.
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The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four.
Signup and view all the answers
After Jeff Skilling took over as CEO, the fraud at Enron became unsustainable, leading to the company's collapse in 2001.
After Jeff Skilling took over as CEO, the fraud at Enron became unsustainable, leading to the company's collapse in 2001.
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Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, Andrew Fastow, and others were arrested, with Fastow and Skilling serving six and 12 years in prison, respectively.
Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, Andrew Fastow, and others were arrested, with Fastow and Skilling serving six and 12 years in prison, respectively.
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Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements at Waste Management, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements at Waste Management, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
Signup and view all the answers
Waste Management, an Andersen client, overstated profits, with misstatements totaling over $1 billion between 1992 and 1996.
Waste Management, an Andersen client, overstated profits, with misstatements totaling over $1 billion between 1992 and 1996.
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Enron changed its accounting policy to use market-to-market prices, which were manipulated, and moved billions of dollars in debt to shell companies in the Cayman Islands.
Enron changed its accounting policy to use market-to-market prices, which were manipulated, and moved billions of dollars in debt to shell companies in the Cayman Islands.
Signup and view all the answers
The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen did not highlight the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public.
The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen did not highlight the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public.
Signup and view all the answers
Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices.
Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices.
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The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four, and the scandal raised issues of auditor independence.
The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four, and the scandal raised issues of auditor independence.
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Study Notes
Corporate Governance and Financial Scandals
- RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
- During the crisis, RBS faced decisions on subprime mortgage exposure, capital infusion, and ABN AMRO acquisition
- UK Companies Act 2006 required RBS directors to exercise care, skill, and diligence
- Corporate governance experts analyze RBS case and its near-collapse
- Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
- CFO arrested for fraud, accounting firm fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
- Bernie Madoff's hedge fund exposed as largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding wealthy investors
- Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
- Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison and required to forfeit $170 billion
- Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
- Enron collapsed, shareholders lost as much as $74 billion
- CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
Corporate Governance and Financial Scandals
- RBS board had extensive banking and finance experience, crucial during the financial crisis
- During the crisis, RBS faced decisions on subprime mortgage exposure, capital infusion, and ABN AMRO acquisition
- UK Companies Act 2006 required RBS directors to exercise care, skill, and diligence
- Corporate governance experts analyze RBS case and its near-collapse
- Patisserie Valerie faced fraudulent accounting irregularities, leading to bankruptcy
- CFO arrested for fraud, accounting firm fined for failing to reveal manipulation of books
- Bernie Madoff's hedge fund exposed as largest Ponzi scheme in history, defrauding wealthy investors
- Madoff's fictitious returns and steady flow of new capital sustained the illusion
- Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison and required to forfeit $170 billion
- Enron inflated revenue and hid debts using dubious accounting practices
- Enron collapsed, shareholders lost as much as $74 billion
- CEO and CFO used fraudulent accounting practices between 1998 and 2001
Corporate Scandals: Enron and Arthur Andersen
- Enron's CEO Ken Lay granted increasing authority to Jeff Skilling, who manipulated the company's accounts and exaggerated asset values and revenue.
- Enron changed its accounting policy to use market-to-market prices, which were manipulated, and moved billions of dollars in debt to shell companies in the Cayman Islands.
- After Skilling took over as CEO, the fraud became unsustainable, leading to the company's collapse in 2001.
- Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, Andrew Fastow, and others were arrested, with Fastow and Skilling serving six and 12 years in prison, respectively.
- Enron's scandal led to the demise of Arthur Andersen, its auditor, which overlooked the financial fraud and helped cover it up.
- Arthur Andersen, a global accounting practice, faced claims for damages from creditors and shareholders of failed companies, threatening its financial viability.
- Waste Management, an Andersen client, overstated profits, with misstatements totaling over $1 billion between 1992 and 1996.
- Andersen signed off on a 'clean' audit certificate despite identifying improper accounting practices and misstatements, leading to SEC enforcement actions.
- Waste Management was a lucrative client for Andersen, with audit fees totaling $7.5 million and consulting services contributing $11.8 million between 1991 and 1997.
- Andersen's close relationship with Waste Management led to a gradual acceptance of less-than-acceptable auditing standards, ultimately leading to its collapse.
- The collapse of Arthur Andersen reduced the 'big five' international accounting firms to four, and the scandal raised issues of auditor independence.
- The SEC's enforcement action against Andersen highlighted the betrayal of shareholders and the investing public, leading to the collapse of the firm.
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Description
Test your knowledge of corporate governance and financial scandals with this quiz. Explore cases such as RBS's near-collapse during the financial crisis, Patisserie Valerie's fraudulent accounting irregularities, Bernie Madoff's infamous Ponzi scheme, and Enron's dubious accounting practices. See how these scandals have impacted the financial world and learn about the consequences for those involved.
