Assessing The Challenges And Opportunities Of Cryptocurrency In Financial Reporting: A Study Of Digital Assets Accounting Firms In Nigeria
Osirim, Monday (PhD, FCA, ACTI)
Department of Accountancy, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State Nigeria
Chukwu, Ogwo (PhD)
Department of Accountancy, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State Nigeria
Ahiakwo, U. Simon (PhD)
Department of Accountancy, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State Nigeria
Nwineewii, Deebii (Doctoral Student)
Department of Accountancy, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State Nigeria
Keywords: Cryptocurrency, financial reporting, digital assets, accounting firms
Abstract
The study assesses the challenges and opportunities of cryptocurrency in financial reporting, focusing on digital asset accounting firms in Nigeria. The research aims to evaluate the relationship between valuation issues, lack of uniform accounting standards, technological failures, risk and volatility, innovative reporting methods, and new service offerings on the earnings quality of these firms. Utilizing a survey design, the study targeted three major firms—Deloitte Nigeria, Ernst & Young (EY) Nigeria, and Horwath Dafinone—employing purposive sampling to collect primary data via questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Spearman's Rank Correlation to determine the significance of relationships between the independent variables and earnings quality. The findings reveal generally non-significant relationships among the factors studied, indicating that while moderate correlations exist, they do not significantly impact earnings quality. Specifically, valuation issues, lack of uniform accounting standards, valuation technology failures, risk and volatility, innovative reporting methods, and new service offerings were found to have limited influence on earnings quality. The study underscores the complex nature of financial reporting for digital assets and highlights the need for more refined valuation techniques, improved technological and risk management systems, and ongoing industry collaboration to address emerging trends and challenges.