Debt Capital Structure and Credit Information Sharing: Evidence on Listed Firms from an Emerging Market

Abstract

This study examines the effect of credit information sharing on debt financing structure of listed firm on the Ghana Stock Exchange market between 2003 and 2013. Employing a panel data of 20 listed non-financial firms in Ghana in robust ordinary least squares, random effect and fixed effect models, findings are presented on how information sharing affect debt financing structure. Findings show that information sharing, coverage quality and the presence predominantly promote short-term debt financing options while these at the same time detract long-term debt financing options. While the positive nexus between credit information sharing and short-term debt financing confirms the information asymmetry and information sharing theories, We attribute the negative nexus between credit information sharing and long-term debt financing options to the shallow and weak nature of credit information sharing activities and institutions; hence making it difficult to permeate risks and uncertainties surrounding long-term financing options. This is an indication that credit information can increase access to debt financing for firms. These findings imply that policymakers must enact policies and laws that deepen, expand and enhance the coverage and quality of credit information in order for the full potency of information sharing can be realized on the debt financing structure of firms.

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