The IL and FS Financial Statement Fraud: A Failure of Governance, Auditing, and Regulation

Abstract

The collapse of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in India's financial history, revealing deep structural flaws within the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) ecosystem. This paper critically examines the multi-dimensional factors that led to the IL&FS crisis, including corporate governance lapses, poor risk management practices, manipulated financial reporting, and regulatory inefficiencies. By analysing a broad range of authoritative sources, it explores the complex web of relationships and operational decisions that fuelled the downfall. Special emphasis is placed on the role of auditors, credit rating agencies, and the oversight (or lack thereof) by regulatory bodies. This analysis not only underscores the consequences of unchecked financial mismanagement but also highlights the critical need for accountability, systemic risk detection, and more stringent regulatory frameworks to safeguard financial stability.