IASB Releases Proposals On Fair Value Measurement, Pension Prepayments

Earlier today, the IASB released two proposals for public comment, listed below.

Proposed IFRS on Fair Value Measurement
As noted in IASB's press release: “If adopted, the proposals would replace fair value measurement guidance contained in individual International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) with a single, unified definition of fair value, as well as further authoritative guidance on the application of fair value measurement in inactive markets. The proposals deal with how fair value should be measured when it is already required by existing standards. They do not extend its use in any way. To ensure consistency between IFRSs and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the proposals incorporate recent guidance on fair value measurement published by the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and are consistent with a report of the IASB’s Expert Advisory Panel published in October 2008 on fair value measurement in illiquid markets. This project forms part of a long-term programme by the IASB and the FASB to achieve convergence of IFRSs and US GAAP, as described in the boards’ Memorandum of Understanding published in September 2008. It is also consistent with requests from G20 leaders to align fair value measurement in IFRSs and US GAAP. The IASB’s starting point in developing the exposure draft was the equivalent US standard, SFAS 157 Fair Value Measurements as amended. The proposed definition of fair value is identical to the definition in SFAS 157 and the supporting guidance is largely consistent with US GAAP. “ The comment deadline is Sept. 28; further information is available here.

Proposed amendments to IFRIC 14 IAS 19—The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction.
As noted in IASB's press release: “The proposed amendments are aimed at correcting an unintended consequence of IFRIC 14, an interpretation of IAS 19 Employee Benefits . As a result of the interpretation, entities are in some circumstances not permitted to recognise as an asset some prepayments for minimum funding contributions. This issue was also raised as a concern by many interested parties. The proposals published today respond to those concerns and, if confirmed, would remedy this unintended consequence of IFRIC 14.” Comments are due July 27.

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