In this session, the Director of Research informed the IASB about changes to the research programme since the last update in September 2015.

Since the previous update, the project on definition of a business has advanced from research stage to maintenance and implementation stage.

Regarding the project on the equity method of accounting, at its September meeting some ASAF members expressed concern about the staff’s proposals for progressing the project.  ASAF has discussed the scope of the project in the December meeting.  After considering the ASAF discussions, the staff expect to revise the project plan at the beginning of 2016.

In the public session, the Director of Research confirmed that for many projects the staff awaited the results of the Agenda Consultation. He said that there were projects that might not be continued, however, if the Board were to make such a decision, the staff would present one final wrap-up session to conserve the research performed.

One Board member suggested enhancing the overview by providing information on how different research projects are linked. Another Board member proposed not to wait for IPSAS decisions on polluting pricing mechanisms before moving on with the research project.

The Board was not requested to make any decisions in this session.