The business case for integrated reporting: Insights from leading practitioners, regulators, and academics

Integrated reporting, a new development in the reporting landscape, seeks to concisely communicate a firm's value through a more holistic picture that integrates financial and non-financial information. This practice is in its infancy in the United States and Europe, with many firms unsure of what integrated reporting is, what its benefits are, and even how to set it up. Drawing upon transcripts from 19 unstructured panel interviews at a global symposium on the subject, we discuss the business case for integrated reporting, as well as the multitude of challenges a firm faces when beginning its integrated reporting journey. We also summarize experiences and tips from interviewees on the need for integrated thinking, the most effective use of the International Integrated Reporting Council's framework, the best way to obtain high-quality data, the ideal audience of such reports, and the options for report assurance.