07 March 2013

IASB: Revised proposals for loan-loss provisioning

The IASB published for public comment a revised set of proposals for the impairment of financial instruments. The proposals build upon previous work to develop a more forward-looking provisioning model. The comment period ends on 5 July, 2013.

Financial reporting requirements both internationally and in the US currently use an incurred loss model to determine when impairment is recognised on financial instruments. The incurred loss model requires that a loss event occurs before a provision can be made and was introduced to avoid the use of so-called ‘big bath’ general provisions that distorted the accurate reporting of financial performance to investors. However, during the financial crisis the incurred loss model was criticised for delaying the recognition of losses and for not reflecting accurately credit losses that were expected to occur.

Consistent with requests from the G20, the Financial Crisis Advisory Group (FCAG) and others, the IASB and the FASB have been working jointly to develop a more forward-looking impairment model that reflects expected credit losses. The proposals build upon the expected credit loss model previously agreed between the IASB and the FASB, but it has been simplified to reflect feedback received from interested parties. The FASB has published separately for public comment an alternative expected credit loss model and the two sets of proposals have overlapping comment periods.

The IASB model is designed to recognise credit losses on a more timely basis. Expected credit losses are recognised on all financial instruments within the scope of the proposals from when they are originated or purchased.

Full lifetime expected credit losses are recognised when a financial instrument deteriorates significantly in credit quality. This is a significantly lower threshold than under the incurred loss model today which in practice has resulted in provisioning only when financial assets are close to default.

Hans Hoogervorst, Chairman of the IASB commented: “Our proposals are a simplified version of the expected credit loss approach that we originally jointly developed with the FASB. We believe the model leads to a more timely recognition of credit losses. At the same time, it avoids excessive front-loading of losses, which we think would not properly reflect economic reality. We look forward to receiving feedback on these proposals and moving swiftly to finalise this important project, consistent with repeated requests of the G20.”

Press release

ED-Financial Instruments

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