IASB publishes 'Request for Information: Comprehensive Review of the IFRS for SMEs Standard'

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  • IFRS for SMEs (mid blue) Image

28 Jan, 2020

The IASB, in cooperation with the SME Implementation Group (SMEIG), has developed and issued a request for information seeking comments on strategic and general questions, specific sections of the IFRS for SMEs, as well as new topics and other matters related to the IFRS for SMEs. The deadline for submitting responses has been extended until 27 October 2020.

IFRS for SMEs was first issued in July 2009. A first comprehensive review of the standard took place between 2012 and 2014. The IASB has now launched a second review with the objective of seeking views on whether and how to align the IFRS for SMEs with full IFRSs.

The Request for Information is divided into three parts:

  • Part A contains strategic and general questions.
  • Part B contains questions on specific sections of the IFRS for SMEs and their alignment with the full IFRSs; and
  • Part C contains questions on new topics and other matters related to the IFRS for SMEs.

A summary of the questions asked in each Part is set out in the table at the bottom of the article.

The SMEIG is expected to review comments on the request for information and make recommendations to the IASB on possible amendments.

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Stakeholders can submit feedback by:

  • Comment letter process — For stakeholders that currently have this process in place
  • Optional response document — For stakeholders without an existing comment letter process, but with the time and resources to provide one
  • Online survey — For stakeholders with limited time and resources

 

Summary of questions asked in the request for information

Part A - Strategic and general questions

  • Alignment approach
    • Should the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with full IFRSs?
    • What extent of alignment of the IFRS for SMEs with full IFRSs is most useful, and why?
  • Alignment principles
    • Do the Board's proposed principles provide a framework to assist in determining whether and how the IFRS for SMEs should be aligned with full IFRSs?
  • When to consider alignment
    • Of the three possible dates for when to consider alignment, which is preferable?

Part B - Specific issues

  • Should Section 2 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with the 2018 Conceptual Framework and how?
  • Should Section 9 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 10 and how?
  • Should Section 11 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 9 and how?
  • Should Section 15 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 11 and how?
  • Should Section 19 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 3 and how?
  • Should Section 20 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 16 and how?
  • Should Section 23 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 15 and how?
  • Should Section 28 of the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IAS 19 and how?
  • Should the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 13 and how?
  • Should multiple sections of the IFRS for SMEs for amendments to IFRSs and IFRIC Interpretations and how?

Part C - New topics and other matters

  • Should the IFRS for SMEs be aligned with IFRS 14 or not?
  • Should holdings of cryptocurrency be addressed in the IFRS for SMEs?
  • Are there difficulties in applying the simplifications allowed by paragraph 28.19 of the IFRS for SMEs?
  • Are there any topics the IFRS for SMEs does not address that should be the subject of specific requirements?
  • Are there additional issues that should be brought to the Board’s attention relating to the IFRS for SMEs?

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