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The ICAEW-IFRS Foundation conference is the third annual event for financial services institutions. This year’s event is focussed specifically on the practical implementation of the impairment element of the financial instruments Standard, IFRS 9. The Standard was finalised in 2014 and becomes effective in 2018.
The new Standard requires banks to recognise 12 months’ expected losses on loans that perform as anticipated and full lifetime losses on loans that have experienced a significant increase in credit risk.
Hoogervorst stated that "The impairment element of IFRS 9 will result in fundamental change to current practice. It should help investors get a better picture of the risks banks face with regard to potential losses on loans extended to customers."
Some critics suggest IFRS 9 does not go far enough and that banks should be forced to recognise lifetime losses on the day loans are extended. However, Hoogervorst explained that such a model does not reflect the economics and could distort the actual performance of a bank. He also suggested it could increase the barriers for new banks wishing to enter the market and could have a negative effect on long-term lending in economic downturns.
Hoogervorst said that robust capital requirements are the best way to make the banking system safe and that transparent accounting can be of great help.