Beyond the GAAP newsletters

As we approach the half-yearly closing of accounts, Beyond the GAAP presents a snapshot of the new standards and interpretations applicable from 1 January 2022 (both mandatory and optional). In addition to this overview, we bring you a summary of the ESMA recommendations published on 13 May. The European Securities and Markets Authority has identified the key issues to address in the interim financial statements in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. ESMA has also published specific recommendations on the forthcoming implementation of IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts.

As reported in our previous issue, Turkey was recently added to the list of
hyperinflationary economies. As a result, groups will need to apply IAS 29 to their Turkish operations for all financial periods that include 1 April 2022, notably the interim financial statements to 30 June. Beyond the GAAP provides a recap of this little-used standard, which can often prove complicated to apply.

While February 2022 has seen very little drama on the corporate reporting front, the current situation in Ukraine provides a stark and appalling contrast. Although the situation is changing rapidly, companies that close their accounts after 24 February must start thinking now about the impacts of these events and of the first sanctions imposed on Russia. For those whose reporting period ended before 24 February but that have not yet authorised their financial statements for issue, a non-adjusting post-balance sheet event may need to be recorded in some cases.

As 2021 approaches its close, we present our traditional year-end overview of the new standards and amendments applicable at 31 December. Once again, no major new standards have been published this year, but insurers should take note: the European Union has finally adopted IFRS 17 (with some tweaks) and it will come into effect from 1 January 2023. Early application is permitted.

While many were waiting, sometimes apprehensively, for the IASB's (tentative) decision on the reintroduction of goodwill amortisation, the Board held off at its September meeting, asking the staff to conduct further research on the subsequent accounting for goodwill.