Analysis and Reflections on Reporting Obligations and Their Degree

This work, carried out as part of the master's degree in Accounting and Finance, aims to discuss, using a qualitative methodology, the reporting obligations of financial sector entities in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), analyze their degree of compliance and who supervises them and how they do so. Information was collected by analyzing annual reports and accounts and using semi-structured interviews. The financial information covers the period from 2012 to 2014 and relates to the seven commercial banks operating in the country, i.e. the entire population. The semi-structured interviews were carried out in January 2016 with one of the most qualified professionals from each of these institutions. The results show that the majority of financial institutions operating in STP do not comply with all the reporting obligations, so the degree of compliance falls short of what is expected and even legally imposed. Supervision is carried out exclusively by the Central Bank of STP and has an eminently educational slant with the aim of raising awareness and improving the current situation.