FRC Lab explores Corporate Reporting in a Digital World

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Published: 30 April 2014

PN 024/14
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) announces a project to investigate how companies are, and might in the future, use digital media in their corporate reporting to improve investors’ access to information.

The project will be undertaken by the Financial Reporting Lab (the Lab). The Lab will initially review how companies currently use a wide range of digital media, including websites, videos, apps, social media platforms and blogs in their external communications to investors, and how investors use what is produced.

This project is the first part of a series of three projects on Corporate Reporting in a Digital World. Over the next 18 months the Lab plans to investigate:

  • Digital Present: The current state of corporate reporting through digital media,

  • Digital Challenges: Barriers to the use of digital media in reporting and,

  • Digital Future: How companies might make the most of technological opportunities.


Sue Harding, Director of the Financial Reporting Lab said:


“This project doesn’t signal the end of reporting by companies on paper, but rather is designed to look forward to the opportunity digital methods may offer. Many companies have already begun to innovate in the area of digital reporting, and the Lab can uniquely add to the debate by helping companies and investors explore what is best in current practice as well as looking towards a vision of what reporting might look like in the future to better meet their needs.”


The Lab is inviting listed companies, investors and analysts to express their interest in taking part in the project.

Those interested in participating can contact the Lab via email at: [email protected], or by telephone on 020 7492 2458 by the 30th of May.


Notes to editors:

  1. The FRC is responsible for promoting high quality corporate governance and reporting to foster investment.  We set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work.  We represent UK interests in international standard-setting.  We also monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and auditing.  We operate independent disciplinary arrangements for accountants and actuaries; and oversee the regulatory activities of the accountancy and actuarial professional bodies.

  2. The Financial Reporting Lab (the Lab) was set up and is funded by, the UK’s Financial Reporting Council. Its aim is to help improve the effectiveness of corporate reporting. Read more about the Lab.