Can Corporate Governance Structures Reduce Fraudulent Financial Reporting in the Banking Sector? Insights from the Fraud Hexagon Framework

This study investigates the determinants of Fraudulent Financial Reporting (FFR) in the banking sector from 2021 to 2024 by integrating the Fraud Hexagon framework within a risk and financial management perspective. Using panel data comprising 140 bank-year observations (35 banks over four years), the research applies an empirical analysis to examine six key elements—pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability, arrogance, and collusion—that shape fraud risk behavior in financial institutions. The results indicate that leverage does not significantly influence fraud incentives, suggesting that financial pressure alone is insufficient to drive fraudulent reporting without weak governance structures. In contrast, factors related to ineffective monitoring, auditor switching, and director change show varying effects on FFR. The findings also reveal that CEO image does not reflect arrogance, which has no significant effect on FFR, and political connections of entities do not automatically reduce fraud risk unless supported by strong and independent governance mechanisms. The study underscores the crucial moderating role of the audit committee in enhancing financial reporting integrity. From a policy perspective, the research provides strategic insights for regulators and supervisory bodies such as the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to strengthen governance frameworks, enforce stricter disclosure requirements, and integrate fraud risk management practices into corporate oversight. Overall, this study contributes to the financial governance literature by demonstrating how effective risk management and governance alignment can reduce fraudulent reporting and improve the sustainability of the banking sector.