Audit Firm Selection and Hedge Fund Characteristics

Abstract

This article examines the hedge fund and hedge fund manager characteristics that lead certain hedge fund managers to select quality auditors. Specifically, using a unique measure of audit quality, the author tests whether hedge fund managers with long histories choose lower-quality auditors, given that the effects of initially selecting a quality auditor lessen over time. Consistent with prior research, the author finds a negative relationship between manager tenure and the choice of a quality auditor. Further, under the theory that agency costs increase as hedge fund size increases, the author tests whether hedge funds with higher agency costs choose higher-quality auditors. Again consistent with prior research, the author’s findings indicate that increased agency costs are positively associated with the selection of higher-quality auditors.

TOPICS: Real assets/alternative investments/private equity, legal/regulatory/public policy