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As part of the triennial review of FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is inviting comments from stakeholders on its proposed approach to updating FRS 102 to reflect changes in IFRS.

The FRC is committed to periodically reviewing UK and Ireland accounting standards to ensure they continue to require high-quality and cost-effective financial reporting from entities within their scope.  As FRS 102 is IFRS-based part of this process is considering whether, and to what extent, FRS 102 should be updated for changes in IFRS. 

The Consultation Document proposes that incremental improvements and clarifications, including some arising from changes in IFRS, be made to FRS 102 to be effective from 1 January 2019. 

More significant amendments to FRS 102 are expected to be effective from 1 January 2022, giving entities more time to prepare and learn from the implementation experience of others. 

These are:

1. incorporating the expected loss model for impairment of financial assets, based on IFRS 9 Financial Instruments; and
2. updating lease accounting by lessees for consistency with IFRS 16Leases.

There are changes in IFRS that the FRC does not propose to update FRS 102 for, such as IFRS 3 Business Combinations (as revised in 2008).  Whilst some incremental changes are proposed in response to IFRS 15Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the standard will be considered more fully as part of a future review.

Paul George, FRC’s Executive Director, Corporate Governance and Reporting, said:

“The FRC is keen to hear stakeholders’ views on how FRS 102 should be updated.  In this consultation we are setting out our initial views on keeping FRS 102 up-to-date as financial reporting develops.  In doing so we have sought to balance improvement with stability.  As a result we are proposing changes to FRS 102 when this is expected to improve financial reporting, and are giving entities plenty of time to prepare for the more significant changes.”

Comments are requested by 31 December 2016.  The FRC will then develop two (Financial Reporting Exposure Draft) FREDs with detailed proposals, providing another opportunity for stakeholders to get involved.  The first FRED is expected towards the end of the first quarter of 2017 (incremental improvements and clarifications) and the second towards the end of the third quarter of 2017 (expected loss model and leases).

Notes to editors:

• The FRC is responsible for promoting high quality corporate governance and reporting to foster investment.  We set the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes as well as UK standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work.  We represent UK interests in international standard-setting.  We also monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and auditing.  We operate independent disciplinary arrangements for accountants and actuaries; and oversee the regulatory activities of the accountancy and actuarial professional bodies.

• All Press enquiries should be directed to:  
  • Peter Timberlake, Head of Communications, on telephone: 020 7492 2397/ 07768 502332, or email: p.timberlake@frc.org.uk.
  • Rita Carolan, Communications Manager, on telephone: 020 7492 2307/ 07428 149096 or email: r.carolan@frc.org.uk.
  • Alana Sinnen, Communications Manager, on telephone: 020 7492 2395/ 07949 005526 or email: a.sinnen@frc.org.uk.

Related Resources

 Consultation: Triennial Review of UK and Ireland Accounting Standards - Approach to Changes in IFRS