Abandoning the transactions-based accounting model: Weighing the evidence

I develop a benchmark for evaluating whether fair values disclosed by banks differ from investors' estimates of the market value of financial assets and liabilities. Using this benchmark, I conclude that the hypothesis that disclosed fair values closely approximate investors' estimates should be rejected. I present evidence suggesting that the procedure used in establishing fair values results in an understatement of the value of financial assets an an overstatement of liabilities. I also conclude that the reaction of bank stocks to the adoption of SFAS 105, 107, and 115 is more consistent with regulatory concerns and not with potential adverse effects of those statements for contracting.