IFRSs moved a step closer in Russia last week when the Duma (parliament) gave preliminary approval to a bill requiring corporations with more than one subsidiary to publish financial statements that conform to International Financial Reporting Standards within six months of the end of their financial year. All companies will still have to report unconsolidated results to Russian standards.

Two additional votes of the Duma are required before the bill would become law. The bill as passed calls for companies to report under IFRSs as of 2004. It may be changed to a 2005 effective date before final adoption.