IFRS for SMEs

Date recorded:

Michelle Fisher introduced the discussion:

  • She reviewed progress towards revising the IFRS-SME.  An exposure draft is expected in September 2013 and a revised standard in mid-2014.
  • The Council was being asked its views on three specific areas:
    • Scope
    • Revision period
    • Ability to amend IFRS-SME for recently-issued IFRSs.

Report-back on IFRS-SMEs

Group 1

Q1: significant minority view to remove barrier to using IFRS-SME.  IASB should set the standard, but up to national jurisdiction to permit use for some or all publicly-accountable entities.  However, there were concerns over the IFRS brand.  A Public listing sets the bar.  The majority view supports the status quo.

Q2: Aligning IFRS-SME to full IFRS would remove the stability inherent in the Standard.

Q3: Diverse views – some supported 3 years, others wanted 5 years.

Group 2

Q1: Majority view supported status quo, because of the public accountability issue.

Q2: Majority view supported a balance between stability and responsiveness to IFRS changes.  Make it easier to transition to IFRS and maintain the quality of financial statements.

Q3: Minimum of 2-3 years is ok.  But allow faster update if relevant.

Group 3

Q1: Majority view was status quo on the basis of quality.  If a jurisdiction wanted to permit it for junior issuers, they could not be described as ‘in accordance with IFRS-SME’.

Q2 The group preferred stability.

Q3: 3-5 years was a suitable revision window.

Group 4

Q1: Status quo for quality and brand

Q2: Case-by-case on the basis of need of users (and desire of preparers)

Q3: Review timetable ok.

The AC Chair noted that these conclusions were reasonably consistent with what he has heard in other settings.  Mr Mackintosh noted that the feedback reflected where the sense of the IASB was at present.

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