New standard on accounting for leases with IFRS 16 “Leases”, the IASB published a new standard on accounting for leases on 13 January 2016. The IASB and the US standard setter FASB initiated the joint project back in 2006 with the aim of introducing improved accounting for leases, in particular by the lessee. Differences of opinion in relation to a few key areas meant that they failed to arrive at a uniform standard. The IASB decided in favour of a single-model approach at the lessee, while the FASB implemented a dual model in its new standard on leases. Based on the single-model approach of the IASB, the lessee will have to recognise assets and liabilities for most leases in the statement of financial position. While the lessee no longer has to distinguish between operating leases and finance leases, this distinction will remain in place for lessors.
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This issue is a mix of opportunities and warnings, both of which should make for interesting reading.
At a time when the world is focussed on the outcome of the OECD Base Erosion Profit Shifting action plan, it is good to know that countries are still hoping to attract investors through a favourable tax regime. Here we have guidance on opportunities for clients and contacts interested in investing in Switzerland, Hungary, Tanzania, Indonesia, Cyprus and Jordan. But we also have warnings, whether it be general anti-avoidance in Poland, China and Singapore or specific new documentation requirements for multinationals in Japan. As will be seen from Spain, sometimes it is not the law which is changing but how the law is interpreted by the courts. As ever, investors need to be aware of what is happening in these countries.
Notes on the consolidated financial statements
IASB
Adoption of IFRS standards by the EU