The Impact of the Asian Financial Crisis on Auditors' Conservatism

ABSTRACT: We examine differences in conservatism between companies audited by Big 4 and non‐Big 4 auditors during the financial crisis and post‐crisis periods in Thailand. The results indicate a significant increase in conservatism following the Asian financial crisis. Moreover, Big 4 audit clients were more sensitive to bad news than non‐Big 4 audit clients, particularly during the crisis period. In the post‐crisis period, both Big 4 and non‐Big 4 audit clients reported more conservative earnings. Interestingly, we found no significant difference in conservatism between Big 4 and non‐Big 4 auditors in the post‐crisis period, possibly due to the conscientious adoption of International Accounting Standards, more stringent control by regulatory bodies, and improvements in corporate governance in Thailand.