Fannie Mae Scandal and Corporate Governance

Paper Summary:

The Federal National Mortgage Association or Fannie Mae, a government chartered company, provides mortgages for low-incomes persons. Following an introduction, this paper provides information about Fannie Mae, including background information on the corporate governance scandal where top executives manipulated accounting to hit targets and receive lucrative bonuses. Thirdly, recent changes in corporate governance including the Sarbanes Oxley Act are discussed. Additionally some recommended changes in corporate governance at Fannie Mae are included.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Background of Fannie Mae Scandal
Issue
Recent Changes in Corporate Governance Which May Help Elevate Problems
Recommended Changes in Corporate Governance for Fannie Mae
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Corporate governance, or the way a company is managed, can make or break that company as well as affect lenders, stockholders, and the market as a whole. Corporate governance is best defined as the means by which stockholders ensure that officers and directors will act in the best interest of the corporation instead of in their own best interest. Corporations set up a board of directors and appoint officers to run the company, although the true owners of the company are the stockholders whose money is at stake. It is the officers which play a substantial role in determining whether or not stockholders get a return on their investment. Stockholders entrust the officers to do what is right for the company as well as keep them informed of the financial state of the company through proper reporting. Although the corporation has significant control over the reporting process, there are strict rules which it is required to follow. Sometimes, however, accounting principles are violated by corporate officers in order to increase their own compensation in the form of bonuses".

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