The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has today published proposals in an Exposure Draft to address accounting issues that affect companies that translate financial information from a non-hyperinflationary currency to a hyperinflationary currency. These proposals, which are narrow-scope amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates, introduce translation requirements for these companies. The IASB expects the proposed translation requirements to improve information for users of financial statements while being simple and cost-effective for companies to apply.
In a hyperinflationary economy, financial information is useful only if it reflects a measure of current purchasing power of the currency. Applying IAS 21 today does not always result in that outcome and in some cases has led to diversity in accounting practice.
Benefits of the proposed amendments include:
The Exposure Draft is open for comment until 22 November 2024. The IASB is seeking feedback on the proposed amendments from interested or affected stakeholders.
Following the consultation period, the IASB will consider all comments received before deciding whether to proceed with the amendments to IAS 21.
The IASB’s Press Release can be accessed at https://www.ifrs.org/.
25 July 2024