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World Council Applauds International Accounting Standards Board Proposal to Update IFRS for SMEs

WOCCU advocated for measure to reduce regulatory burden on credit unions

September 27, 2022

MADISON, Wis.—The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) of the IFRS Foundation this month issued proposals to update the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard—a step long-advocated for by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) as a way to reduce regulatory burdens for credit unions when implementing IFRS 9, or CECL as it is known in the United States.

The proposal permits smaller financial institutions to state their financials in conformity with the IFRS for SMEs accounting standard, signifying a “lighter touch” than the full IFRS standard. This will leave room for national-level regulators to adopt a standard that can reduce regulatory burden and still provide financials in accordance with international standards.

Several countries have applied their accounting standards for credit unions loosely based on IFRS for SMEs, while others have been hesitant to consider this approach subject to the definition of “publicly accountable” contained in the standard.

The proposed amendments will bring some needed clarity to the characteristics of an entity that is considered “publicly accountable,” thus clarifying that the IFRS for SMEs standard can be afforded to credit unions.   

“Clarification that allows some credit unions to be considered IFRS for SMEs compliant, especially smaller institutions and those in developing countries, is sound public policy. It will help limit excessive compliance burdens on small institutions and increase the usefulness of their accounting statements,” said Andrew Price, WOCCU Senior Vice President of Advocacy and General Counsel.

WOCCU will provide comments on this proposal to the IASB soon, with anticipation that finalization of the proposal may occur in 2023 or early 2024.

A copy of the IASB proposal can be viewed here.



World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 82,758 credit unions in 97 countries serve 404 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.

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Contact: Greg Neumann
Organization: World Council of Credit Unions
E-mail: gneumann@woccu.org
Phone: +1 608-395-2048
 
Andrew Price
Andrew Price

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