19 June 2009

IASB discussion paper on accounting for ‘own credit risk’

From an accounting perspective there are good reasons for applying fair value measurement to both assets and liabilities, IASB says. However, some see the outcome as counter-intuitive.

The IASB consults on a discussion paper on the role of credit risk in liability measurement. The paper is accompanied by a staff paper that describes the most common arguments for and against including credit risk in measuring liabilities.

 

From an accounting perspective there are good reasons for applying fair value measurement to both assets and liabilities. However, some see the outcome as counter-intuitive. Recent developments in the financial markets have led to increased concerns about gains that result from changes in the value of an entity’s liabilities.

 

The discussion paper responds to this concern. The issue of ‘own credit risk’ has relevance to other IASB projects, in particular in the accounting for financial instruments, insurance, fair value measurement and provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets.

 

Deadline for comment is 1 September 2009

 

Press release

Discussion paper

 

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