Bull fightDuring the past decade, the Spanish financial system has undergone important changes as a result of the globalisation and integration of capital markets throughout the world and the integration of Spain into the European Union (EU) monetary system.

Following a crisis of confidence worldwide after high-profile accounting scandals such as Enron and WorldCom, disclosure requirements and statutory safeguards to ensure accountability of management to shareholders are receiving a closer look from all quarters and Spain is no exception.