The new standard enhances the ability of investors and other users of financial information to understand the accounting of financial assets and reduces complexity – an objective endorsed by the Group of 20 leaders (G20) and other stakeholders internationally. IFRS 9 uses a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortised cost or fair value, replacing the many different rules in IAS 39. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments (its business model) and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. The new standard also requires a single impairment method to be used, replacing the many different impairment methods in IAS 39. Thus IFRS 9 improves comparability and makes financial statements easier to understand for investors and other users.

The IASB has received broad support for its approach. This became evident during the unprecedented global scale of consultation and outreach activity it undertook in order to refine proposals contained within the exposure draft published in July 2009. Round table discussions were held in Asia, Europe and the United States. Interactive webcasts, each attracting thousands of registered participants, have been held, often on a weekly basis. In addition, more than a hundred meetings have been held with interested parties around the world during the past four months.

The views expressed to the IASB during its consultations resulted in the proposals being modified to address concerns raised and to improve the standard. For example, IFRS 9 requires the business model of an entity to be assessed first to avoid the need to consider the contractual cash flow characteristics of every individual asset. It requires reclassification of assets if the business model of an entity changes. The IASB changed the accounting that was proposed for structured credit-linked investments and for purchases of distressed debt. The IASB also addressed concerns expressed about the problems created by the mismatch in timings between the mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 and the likely effective date of a new standard on insurance contracts.

Furthermore, in response to suggestions made by some respondents, the IASB decided not to finalise requirements for financial liabilities in IFRS 9. The IASB has begun the process of giving further consideration to the classification and measurement of financial liabilities and it expects to issue final requirements during 2010.

A feedback statement providing comprehensive details of how the IASB has responded to comments received through the consultation process is available for download by clicking here.

The effective date for mandatory adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is 1 January 2013. Consistent with requests by the G20 leaders and others, early adoption is permitted for 2009 year-end financial statements.

Commenting on IFRS 9, Sir David Tweedie, Chairman of the IASB, said:

We have delivered on our commitment to the G20 and stakeholders internationally to provide an improved financial instrument standard for the classification and measurement of financial assets for use in 2009. Benefiting from unprecedented levels of consultation with stakeholders around the world, the IASB has made significant changes in its initial proposals to improve the standard, provide enhanced transparency and respond to stakeholder concerns.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is available for eIFRS subscribers from today. Printed copies will be available shortly, at £15 plus shipping, from the IASC Foundation Publications Department. Those wishing to subscribe to eIFRSs should visit the IASB online shop or contact:

IASC Foundation Publications Department,
30 Cannon Street, London EC4M 6XH, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7332 2730 Fax +44 (0)20 7332 2749
Email: publications@iasb.org Web: www.iasb.org

Press enquiries

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• Mark Byatt , Director of Corporate Communications, IASB
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  Email: mbyatt@iasb.org
• Sonja Horn, Communications Adviser, IASB,
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  Email: shorn@iasb.org