Appendix A — Comparison of U.S. GAAP and IFRS Accounting Standards
A.1 Receivables Measured at Amortized Cost
Under U.S. GAAP, ASC 310 and ASC 326 are the primary sources of guidance on
receivables measured at amortized cost.
Under IFRS® Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 is the
primary source of guidance on recognition and measurement, as well as income
recognition, of receivables measured at amortized cost.
This section highlights similarities and differences between the accounting for
receivables measured at amortized cost under U.S. GAAP and that under IFRS
Accounting Standards, specifically discussing the recognition and measurement of
(1) credit losses and (2) interest income.
Note, however, that this section
does not address differences related to the recognition and measurement of
credit losses for investments in debt securities. Under IFRS Accounting
Standards, the accounting model for investments in debt securities (regardless
of classification) is the same as that described in the table below. Under U.S.
GAAP, there is a separate credit loss model in ASC 326-30 for investments in
debt securities that are classified as AFS. An AFS debt security is impaired
under ASC 326-30 when the security’s fair value is less than its amortized cost
(excluding fair value hedge accounting adjustments from active portfolio layer
hedges1). ASC 326-30 also requires entities to consider whether they intend “to
sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security
before recovery of its amortized cost basis.” For debt securities classified as
HTM under U.S. GAAP, the impairment model is the same as that described in the
table below for receivables measured at amortized cost. See Section A.2 for guidance on
U.S. GAAP–IFRS differences related to investments in debt securities, including
those classified as HTM and AFS.
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Subject
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U.S. GAAP
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IFRS Accounting Standards
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Recognition of credit losses
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Expected loss approach in which an
entity recognizes expected (rather than incurred) credit
losses immediately.
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In a manner similar to that under U.S.
GAAP, an entity uses an expected loss approach in which
an impairment loss on a financial asset accounted for at
amortized cost is recognized immediately on the basis of
expected credit losses.
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Measurement of impairment losses
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The measurement of expected credit losses in all
circumstances, subject to certain expedients, must
result in an allowance that reflects the lifetime
expected credit losses of the applicable financial
asset.
The entity must evaluate financial assets on a collective
(i.e., pool) basis if they share similar risk
characteristics. If an asset’s risk characteristics are
not similar to those of any of the entity’s other
assets, the entity would evaluate the asset
individually.
Entities have flexibility in the method
they use to measure expected credit losses as long as
the measurement results in an allowance that:
Use of a discounted cash flow model is
not required; therefore, an entity is not required to
consider the time value of money (this guidance differs
from that in IFRS Accounting Standards).
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Depending on the financial asset’s
credit risk at inception and changes in credit risk from
inception, as well as the applicability of certain
practical expedients, the measurement of the impairment
loss will differ (this guidance differs from that under
U.S. GAAP).
If the credit risk for a financial asset has
significantly increased since initial recognition, the
entity will measure the impairment loss as the lifetime
expected credit loss.
Otherwise, the entity will measure the impairment loss as
the 12-month expected loss.
The evaluation of whether credit risk has significantly
increased is a continual assessment. Entities may
evaluate financial assets on an individual or collective
basis to ensure that significant increases in credit
risk are identified on a timely basis (e.g., collective
credit risk information may be more readily available
than individual credit risk information).
As with U.S. GAAP, the method for measuring a financial
instrument’s expected credit losses is not prescribed;
however, the expected credit losses must be measured in
a way that reflects:
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Impairment losses — credit-impaired assets
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ASC 326-20 includes a distinct model
for acquired assets for which, as of the acquisition
date, a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit
quality has occurred since origination (otherwise
referred to as “PCD assets”).
ASC 326 does not specify either the cause of
“more-than-insignificant deterioration” or the factors
an entity should consider when assessing whether the
deterioration in the credit quality of an asset (or a
group of assets) has been more than insignificant since
origination.
Upon acquiring a PCD asset, an entity would recognize its
allowance for expected credit losses as an adjustment
that increases the asset’s cost basis (the “gross-up”
approach). After initial recognition of the PCD asset
and its related allowance, the entity would continue to
apply the CECL model to the asset — that is, any changes
in the estimate of cash flows that the entity expects to
collect (favorable or unfavorable) would be recognized
immediately as credit loss expense in the income
statement.
ASU 2025-08
expands the scope of the gross-up approach to include
acquired loans (except credit cards) that are
“seasoned.” The guidance in ASU 2025-08 is effective for
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15,
2026, including interim reporting periods, and must be
applied prospectively. See Chapter 6 for
further details.
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Like U.S. GAAP, IFRS 9 includes a model
for assets that are credit-impaired on initial
recognition, which are referred to as “purchased or
originated credit-impaired [POCI] assets.”
An asset is credit-impaired on initial recognition if, as
of the purchase date, there is observable data
indicating that any of the following events have already occurred:
For POCI assets, the impairment loss will be based on the
cumulative changes in the lifetime expected credit
losses since initial recognition. Favorable changes in
lifetime expected credit losses are recognized as an
impairment gain through the expected credit loss
allowance.
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Subsequent measurement — modifications
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A loan modification is accounted for as a new loan if
both (1) the terms are at least as favorable to the
lender as the terms for comparable loans to other
customers with similar collection risks (i.e., effective
yield is at least equal to the effective yield for
comparable loans) and (2) the modification is “more than
minor.”
If the loan is accounted for as a new loan, any
unamortized net fees or costs and any prepayment
penalties associated with the original loan are
recognized in interest income.
If the loan is not accounted for as a new loan, no
gain or loss is recognized.
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A modification of the contractual cash flows of a
financial asset is accounted for by derecognizing the
original asset and recognizing a new asset if the
modified terms are substantially different from the
original terms.
If the modified financial asset is accounted for as a new
asset, a gain or loss is recognized on the basis of the
difference between (1) the net carrying amount of the
original asset and (2) the fair value of the
consideration received (including the fair value of the
modified asset).
If the modified financial asset is not accounted
for as a new asset, a modification gain or loss is
recognized on the basis of the difference between (1)
the gross carrying amount of the original asset and (2)
the present value of the modified cash flows discounted
by using the EIR of the original asset.
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Interest method — computation of the EIR
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The EIR is computed on the basis of the
contractual cash flows over
the contractual term of the
loan, except for (1) certain loans that are part of a
group of prepayable loans and (2) purchased loans that
are accounted for by using the gross-up approach (see
Chapter 6).
Therefore, loan origination fees, direct loan
origination costs, premiums, and discounts typically are
amortized over the contractual
term of the loan.
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The EIR is computed on the basis of the estimated cash
flows that are expected to be received over the
expected life of a loan by considering all of
the loan’s contractual terms (e.g., prepayment, call,
and similar options), excluding expected credit losses.
Therefore, fees, points paid or received, transaction
costs, and other premiums or discounts are deferred and
amortized as part of the calculation of the EIR over the
expected life of the instrument.
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Interest method — revisions in estimates
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“Retrospective” approach — If estimated payments
for certain groups of prepayable loans are revised, an
entity may adjust the net investment in the group of
loans — on the basis of a recalculation of the effective
yield to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated
future payments — to the amount that would have existed
if the new effective yield had been applied since the
loans’ origination/acquisition, with a corresponding
charge or credit to interest income.
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“Cumulative catch-up” approach — If estimated
receipts are revised, the carrying amount is adjusted to
the present value of the future estimated cash flows,
discounted at the financial asset’s original EIR (or
credit-adjusted EIR for purchased or originated
credit-impaired financial assets). The resulting
adjustment is recognized within profit or loss. This
treatment applies not only to groups of prepayable loans
but also to all financial assets that are subject to the
effective interest method.
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Interest recognition on PCD/PSL2/POCI loans
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Interest income is recognized on the basis of the
purchase price plus the initial allowance accreting to
the contractual cash flows by using the effective
interest method.
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Interest income is calculated on the
basis of amortized cost (i.e., net of the loss
allowance).
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Nonaccrual of interest
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There is no explicit requirement in U.S. GAAP for when an
entity should cease the recognition of interest income
on a receivable measured at amortized cost. However, the
practice of placing financial assets on nonaccrual
status is acknowledged by U.S. GAAP.
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IFRS Accounting Standards do not permit
nonaccrual of interest. However, for assets that have
become credit-impaired, interest income is based on the
net carrying amount of the credit-impaired financial
asset.
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A.1.1 Recognition of Credit Losses
The credit impairment model in both U.S. GAAP and IFRS
Accounting Standards is based on expected losses. Thus, under both sets of
standards, a “day 1 credit loss” will generally be recognized for financial
assets measured at amortized cost, except for PCD assets and PSLs under U.S.
GAAP (i.e., in such cases, the initial estimate of expected losses is added
to the cost basis of the asset as a result of the gross-up model).
Neither U.S. GAAP nor IFRS Accounting Standards specify a threshold for
recognizing an impairment allowance. Rather, an entity recognizes its
estimate of expected credit losses for financial assets as of the end of the
reporting period. Credit impairment is recognized as an allowance — or
contra-asset — rather than as a direct write-down of the amortized cost
basis of a financial asset.
A.1.2 Measurement of Credit Losses
ASC 326-20 describes the impairment allowance as a
“valuation account that is deducted from, or added to, the amortized cost
basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net amount expected to be
collected on the financial asset.” An entity can use a number of measurement
approaches to determine the impairment allowance. Regardless of the
measurement method used, an entity’s estimate of expected credit losses
should reflect those losses occurring over the contractual life of the
financial asset and should incorporate all available relevant information,
including details about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and
supportable forecasts and their implications for expected credit losses.
ASC 326-20 does not prescribe a unit of account (e.g., an individual asset or
a group of financial assets) for measuring expected credit losses. However,
an entity is required to evaluate financial assets within the scope of the
model on a collective (i.e., pool) basis when assets share similar risk
characteristics. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics are not similar
to the risk characteristics of any of the entity’s other financial assets,
the entity would evaluate the financial asset individually.
Entities have flexibility in the method they use to measure expected credit
losses as long as the measurement results in an allowance that does the
following (subject to certain expedients):
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Reflects a risk of loss, even if remote.
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Reflects losses that are expected over the contractual life of the asset.
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Takes into account historical loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
In addition, ASC 326-20 does not require use of a discounted cash flow model;
therefore, an entity is not required to consider the time value of money
when calculating credit losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9’s dual-measurement
approach requires an entity to measure the loss allowance for an asset
accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI (other than one that is purchased
or originated credit-impaired) at an amount equal to either (1) the 12-month
expected credit losses or (2) lifetime expected credit losses.
If the credit risk associated with a financial asset has
increased significantly since initial recognition, the entity will measure
the impairment loss as the lifetime expected credit loss. Paragraph 5.5.9 of
IFRS 9 states that in assessing whether a financial asset’s credit risk has
significantly increased, an entity is required to consider “the change in
the risk of a default occurring over the expected life of the financial
instrument instead of the change in the amount of expected credit losses”
since initial recognition.
If the credit risk associated with a financial asset has increased
significantly since initial recognition, the entity will measure the
impairment loss as the lifetime expected credit loss. Paragraph 5.5.9 of
IFRS 9 states that in assessing whether a financial asset’s credit risk has
significantly increased, an entity is required to consider “the change in
the risk of a default occurring over the expected life of the financial
instrument instead of the change in the amount of expected credit losses”
since initial recognition. Paragraph B5.5.17 of IFRS 9 provides a
nonexhaustive list of factors that an entity may consider in determining
whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For financial
instruments for which credit risk has significantly increased since initial
recognition, the allowance is measured as the lifetime credit losses, which
IFRS 9 defines as the “expected credit losses that result from all possible
default events over the expected life of a financial instrument,” unless the
credit risk is low as of the reporting date. The evaluation of whether
credit risk has significantly increased is a continual assessment.
If a financial asset does not meet the criteria to be measured as the
lifetime expected credit loss, the impairment loss is measured as the
12-month expected loss. Regardless of the measurement approach, paragraph
5.5.17 of IFRS 9 states:
An entity shall measure expected credit losses
of a financial instrument in a way that reflects:
(a) an unbiased and probability-weighted amount that is
determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes;
(b) the time value of money; and
(c) reasonable and supportable information that is available
without undue cost or effort at the reporting date about past
events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic
conditions.
A.1.3 Impairment Loss — Credit-Impaired Assets
Under U.S. GAAP, ASC 326-20 includes a distinct model for acquired financial
assets for which, as of the acquisition date, a “more-than-insignificant
deterioration in credit quality” has occurred since origination (PCD assets)
as well as for PSLs (except credit card receivables) after the adoption of
ASU 2025-08. Entities must use judgment in determining whether deterioration
is “more-than-insignificant,” taking into account the list of factors in ASC
326-20-55-4 and related examples. Judgment may also be required in the
determination of whether a purchased loan acquired outside a business
combination is seasoned.
For PCD assets and PSLs, an entity is required to use a “gross-up” approach
at acquisition. Specifically, the entity recognizes an allowance for credit
losses as of the acquisition date, with a corresponding increase to the
asset’s initial amortized cost basis (i.e., the allowance for credit losses
is added to the purchase price to establish the initial amortized cost
basis). This approach is intended to prevent the portion of the purchase
discount attributable to expected credit losses from being accreted into
interest income and, as a result, no day 1 credit loss expense is recognized
solely because of the acquisition. After initial recognition, the entity
continues to apply the CECL model to the PCD asset or PSL; that is,
subsequent changes (favorable or unfavorable) in the estimate of expected
credit losses are recognized immediately in earnings through credit loss
expense via changes in the allowance for credit losses.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 includes a concept
similar to PCD assets for financial assets that are credit-impaired on
initial recognition, referred to as POCI assets. IFRS Accounting Standards
do not provide any guidance similar to the PSL model added to U.S. GAAP by
ASU 2025-08.
IFRS 9 defines a credit-impaired financial asset as
follows:
A financial asset is credit-impaired when
one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated
future cash flows of that financial asset have occurred. Evidence that a
financial asset is credit-impaired include[s] observable data about the
following events:
(a) significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the
borrower;
(b) a breach of contract, such as a default or past due event;
(c) the lender(s) of the borrower, for economic or contractual
reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, having
granted to the borrower a concession(s) that the lender(s) would
not otherwise consider;
(d) it is becoming probable that the borrower will enter
bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;
(e) the disappearance of an active market for that financial
asset because of financial difficulties; or
(f) the purchase or origination of a financial asset at a deep
discount that reflects the incurred credit losses.
It may not be possible to identify a single
discrete event — instead, the combined effect of several events may
have caused financial assets to become credit-impaired.
As stated in paragraph 5.5.13 of IFRS 9, for these assets, an entity
recognizes only “the cumulative changes in lifetime expected credit losses
since initial recognition as a loss allowance.” Changes in lifetime expected
losses since initial recognition are recognized in profit or loss. Thus, any
favorable change in lifetime expected credit losses since initial
recognition of a POCI financial asset is recognized as an impairment gain in
profit or loss, regardless of whether a corresponding impairment loss was
recorded for the asset in previous periods.
A.1.4 Subsequent Measurement — Modifications
Under U.S. GAAP, when a creditor modifies a loan, the subsequent
measurement depends on whether the refinancing or restructuring is
accounted for as a new loan under ASC 310-20-35-9 through 35-11. If
the modification is accounted for as a new loan, ASC 310-20-35-10
requires the creditor to recognize in interest income, at the time
the new loan is granted, any unamortized net fees or costs
associated with the original loan, as well as any prepayment
penalties triggered by the refinancing. In other words, under U.S.
GAAP, the “new loan” conclusion is treated as an acceleration event
for deferred yield components related to the original loan (e.g.,
remaining net deferred fees/costs) and for prepayment penalties,
with the income statement effect reflected in interest income rather
than as a modification gain or loss.
If the refinancing or restructuring is not accounted for as a new
loan, the modified loan is treated as a continuation of the existing
loan. In that case, ASC 310-20-35-11 indicates that no gain or loss
is recognized as of the modification date; rather, the creditor
carries forward the existing net investment (including any
unamortized net fees/costs and applicable prepayment penalties) and
updates the effective interest rate prospectively to reflect the
revised contractual cash flows. This model generally avoids a day 1
“true-up” through profit or loss purely from revising the
contractual cash flows, in the absence of other applicable
recognition/measurement requirements.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, subsequent measurement focuses on
derecognition rather than continued recognition and has a
current-period impact on profit or loss even when the modified
financial asset is not accounted for as a new asset. If the
modification is sufficiently significant that it results in
derecognition of the original financial asset under IFRS 9’s
derecognition framework (e.g., paragraph 3.2.3, with related
transfer analysis in paragraph 3.2.6), the entity recognizes a new
financial asset and recognizes any resulting gain or loss in profit
or loss. When derecognition occurs, paragraph 3.2.12 of IFRS 9
requires that the gain or loss be measured as the difference between
(1) the carrying amount of the financial asset as of the date of
derecognition and (2) the consideration received (including any new
asset obtained less any new liability assumed).
If the modification does not result in derecognition, paragraph 5.4.3
of IFRS 9 requires the entity to recalculate the gross carrying
amount as the present value of the modified contractual cash flows
discounted at the asset’s original EIR and to recognize the
resulting modification gain or loss immediately in profit or loss.
Paragraph 5.4.3 also indicates that fees and costs directly
attributable to the modification adjust the carrying amount of the
modified asset and are then amortized over the remaining term,
rather than being recognized immediately in interest income solely
because modified terms were agreed upon.
A.1.5 Interest Method — Computation of the EIR
Under U.S. GAAP on non-PCD loans, the EIR used to recognize
interest income on loan receivables generally is computed in accordance with
ASC 310-20-35-26 on the basis of the contractual cash
flows over the contractual term of the loan.
Prepayments of principal are not anticipated. As a result, loan origination
fees, direct loan origination costs, premiums, and discounts are typically
amortized over the contractual term of the loan. However, ASC 310-20-35-26
indicates that if an entity “holds a large number of similar loans for which
prepayments are probable and the timing and amount of prepayments can be
reasonably estimated, the entity may consider estimates of future principal
prepayments” in calculating the EIR.
Under IFRS 9, an entity recognizes interest income by
applying the EIR. IFRS 9 defines the EIR of a financial asset or liability
as the “rate that exactly discounts estimated future
cash payments or receipts through the expected life
of the financial asset . . . to the gross carrying amount of a financial
asset” (emphasis added). Therefore, the effective interest method in IFRS 9,
unlike that in ASC 310-20, requires an entity to
compute the EIR on the basis of the estimated cash flows over the expected
life of the instrument in considering all contractual terms (e.g.,
prepayment, extension, call, and similar options) but not expected credit
losses. As a result, fees, points paid or received, transaction costs, and
other premiums or discounts are deferred and amortized as part of the
calculation of the EIR over the expected life of the instrument. Further, in
its definition of an EIR, IFRS 9 states that in “rare cases when it is not
possible to reliably estimate the cash flows or the expected life of a
financial instrument [an] entity shall use the contractual cash flows over
the full contractual term.”
A.1.6 Interest Method — Revisions in Estimates
Under U.S. GAAP, whether and, if so, how an entity recognizes a change in
expected future cash flows of a receivable depends on the instrument’s
characteristics and which effective interest method the entity is applying.
ASC 310-20-35-26 indicates that in applying the interest method to non-PCD
loans, an entity should use the payment terms of the loan contract without
considering the anticipated prepayment of principal to shorten the loan
term. However, if the entity can reasonably estimate probable prepayments
for a large number of similar loans, it may include an estimate of future
prepayments in the calculation of the constant effective yield under the
interest method. If prepayments are anticipated and considered in the
determination of the effective yield, and there is a difference between the
anticipated prepayments and the actual prepayments received, the effective
yield should be recalculated to reflect actual payments received to date and
anticipated future payments. The net investment in the loans should be
adjusted to reflect the amount that would have existed if the revised
effective yield had been applied since the acquisition or origination of the
group of loans, with a corresponding charge or credit to interest income. In
other words, under U.S. GAAP, entities may use a “retrospective” approach in
accounting for revisions in estimates related to such groups of loans.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, the original EIR must be
used throughout the life of the instrument for financial assets and
liabilities, except for certain reclassified financial assets and
floating-rate instruments that reset to reflect movements in market interest
rates. Upon a change in estimates, IFRS 9 generally requires entities to use
a “cumulative catch-up” approach when changes in estimated cash flows occur.
Specifically, paragraph B5.4.6 of IFRS 9 states, in part:
If an entity revises its estimates of payments or
receipts (excluding modifications in accordance with paragraph 5.4.3 and
changes in estimates of expected credit losses), it shall adjust the
gross carrying amount of the financial asset . . . to reflect actual and
revised estimated contractual cash flows. The entity recalculates the
gross carrying amount of the financial asset . . . as the present value
of the estimated future contractual cash flows that are discounted at
the financial instrument’s original effective interest rate (or
credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated
credit-impaired financial assets). . . . The adjustment is recognised in
profit or loss as income or expense.
A.1.7 Interest Recognition on PCD Assets and PSLs
Regarding an entity’s acquisition of a loan that it
determines to be a PCD asset or PSL,3 ASC 326-20 states that in the calculation of the EIR, “the premium or
discount at acquisition excludes the discount embedded in the purchase price
that is attributable to the acquirer’s assessment of credit losses at the
date of acquisition.” Interest income recognition would be based on the
purchase price plus the initial allowance accreting to the contractual cash
flows.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, the application of the
effective interest method depends on whether the financial asset is POCI or
on whether it became credit-impaired after initial recognition.
When recognizing interest revenue related to POCI financial
assets under IFRS 9, an entity applies a credit-adjusted EIR to the
amortized cost carrying amount. The calculation of the credit-adjusted EIR
is consistent with the calculation of the EIR, except that it takes into account expected credit losses within
the expected cash flows.
For a financial asset that is not POCI, paragraph 5.4.1 of
IFRS 9 requires an entity to calculate interest revenue as follows:
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Gross method — If the financial asset has not become credit-impaired since initial recognition, the entity applies the EIR method to the gross carrying amount. IFRS 9 defines the gross carrying amount as “the amortised cost of a financial asset, before adjusting for any loss allowance.”
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Net method — If the financial asset has subsequently become credit-impaired, the entity applies the EIR to the amortized cost balance, which is the gross carrying amount adjusted for any loss allowance.
An entity that uses the net method is required to revert to the gross method
if (1) the credit risk of the financial instrument subsequently improves to
the extent that the financial asset is no longer credit-impaired and (2) the
improvement is objectively related to an event that occurred after the net
method was applied (see paragraph 5.4.2 of IFRS 9).
A.1.8 Nonaccrual of Interest
There is no explicit U.S. GAAP requirement for when an
entity should cease recognizing interest income on receivables measured at
amortized cost. However, an entity is permitted to cease such recognition as
an accounting policy. In addition, U.S. financial institutions subject to
banking regulations look to regulatory reporting instructions for guidance
on placing financial assets on nonaccrual status and follow these regulatory
instructions for U.S. GAAP financial reporting purposes.4
Under IFRS 9, an entity is not allowed to cease the accrual of interest.
Rather, interest income recognition is determined on the basis of whether
the asset is considered to be credit-impaired. That is, if the financial
asset has not become credit-impaired since initial recognition, the entity
applies the EIR method to the gross carrying amount (“gross method”). If the
financial asset has subsequently become credit-impaired, the entity applies
the EIR to the amortized cost balance, which is the gross carrying amount
adjusted for any loss allowance (“net method”). An entity using the net
method should revert to the gross method if (1) the credit risk of the
financial instrument subsequently improves to the extent that the financial
asset is no longer credit-impaired and (2) the improvement is objectively
related to an event that occurred after the net method was applied.
A.2 Investments in Debt Securities
Under U.S. GAAP, ASC 320, ASC 326-20, and ASC 326-30 are the
primary sources of guidance on the accounting for investments in debt
securities.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 is the primary source of
guidance on the accounting for financial assets and financial liabilities,
including investments in debt securities.
This section focuses on differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS
Accounting Standards in the accounting for investments in debt securities,
specifically discussing the recognition and measurement of (1) credit losses and
(2) interest income. It does not address differences in the accounting for
financial assets measured at amortized cost except for investments in debt
securities classified as HTM under U.S. GAAP. See Section A.1 for guidance on differences
between U.S. GAAP and IFRS Accounting Standards related to financial assets
measured at amortized cost.
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Subject
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U.S. GAAP
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IFRS Accounting Standards
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Credit losses —
recognition
| An
entity recognizes and measures expected credit losses on
an investment in a debt security classified as HTM by
using the same model as it does for loans in accordance
with ASC 326-20 (see Section A.1 for more
information). An impairment loss on an investment in
a debt security classified as AFS is recognized when the
security’s fair value is less than its amortized cost
(excluding fair value hedge accounting adjustments from
active portfolio layer method hedges5). This evaluation must be performed on an individual
security level in accordance with ASC 326-30. |
An impairment loss on a financial asset accounted for at
amortized cost or FVTOCI is recognized immediately on
the basis of expected credit losses.
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Credit losses —
measurement
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Under ASC 326-30, the recognition of an
impairment loss depends on whether the entity “intends
to sell the security or more likely than not will be
required to sell the security before recovery of its
amortized cost basis” (excluding fair value hedge
accounting adjustments from active portfolio layer
method hedges6).
If the AFS debt security is impaired,
the entity should determine whether it intends to sell
the security or more likely than not will be required to
sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost
basis (excluding fair value hedge accounting adjustments
from active portfolio layer method hedges7). If so, the entity should record the entire
impairment loss (i.e., the difference between the fair
value of the security and the amortized cost basis
[excluding fair value hedge accounting adjustments from
active portfolio layer method hedges]) in net income as
a direct write-down of the amortized cost basis.
If neither condition is met, the impairment loss is
separated into the credit loss component (through
earnings) and all other factors (through OCI). The
credit loss component for an impaired AFS debt security
is the excess of (1) the security’s amortized cost basis
over (2) the present value of the investor’s best
estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected from
the security.
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Under IFRS 9, the measurement of the
impairment loss differs depending on the financial
asset’s credit risk at inception and changes in credit
risk from inception, as well as the applicability of
certain practical expedients. The impairment loss is
measured as either (1) the 12-month expected credit loss
or (2) the lifetime expected credit loss. Further, for
financial assets that are credit-impaired at the time of
recognition, the impairment loss is based on the
cumulative changes in the lifetime expected credit
losses since initial recognition.
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Credit losses — reversal of recognized losses
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Under ASC 326-30, an entity must use an allowance when
recognizing expected credit losses on an AFS debt
security. Any changes in the allowance for expected
credit losses on an AFS debt security would be
recognized as an adjustment to the entity’s credit loss
expense.
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Under IFRS 9, previously recognized expected credit
losses are reversed through profit or loss (as an
impairment gain) if expected credit losses decrease.
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Subsequent measurement — interest method: interest
income recognition
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The EIR is computed on the basis of
contractual cash flows over the contractual term of the
security, with certain exceptions depending on the
specific characteristics of a debt security, such as
whether the debt security is (1) part of a group of
prepayable debt securities, (2) a BI in securitized
financial assets, (3) a callable bond purchased at a
premium, (4) considered a PCD asset, or (5) prepayable
by the issuer and has a stated interest rate that
increases over time.
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Under IFRS 9, the EIR is computed on the
basis of estimated cash flows that the entity expects to
receive over the expected life of the financial asset.
The method used to calculate interest revenue depends on
whether the financial asset (1) is POCI or (2) has
subsequently become credit-impaired.
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Subsequent measurement — interest method:
revisions in estimates (not from a modification)
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Whether and, if so, how an entity recognizes a change in
expected future cash flows of an investment in a debt
security depends on the characteristics of the debt
security and the effective interest method applied.
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An entity (1) adjusts a change in estimate that is not a
result of changes in the market rates of a floating-rate
instrument by applying a cumulative “catch-up” method
that uses the original EIR as a discount rate and (2)
recognizes the change in estimate through earnings.
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Subsequent measurement —
nonaccrual of interest
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There is no explicit requirement for when an entity
should cease the recognition of interest income on an
investment in a debt security. However, the practice of
placing investments in debt securities on nonaccrual
status is acknowledged by U.S. GAAP.
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IFRS Accounting Standards do not permit
nonaccrual of interest. However, for assets that have
become credit-impaired, interest income is based on the
net carrying amount of the credit-impaired financial
asset.
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Subsequent measurement — foreign exchange gains
and losses on AFS/FVTOCI debt securities
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Under ASC 320, the unrealized change in fair value of an
investment in a debt security classified as AFS that is
attributable to changes in foreign currency rates must
be recognized in OCI.
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Under IFRS 9, the unrealized change in fair value of a
debt instrument accounted for at FVTOCI that is
attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates
(calculated on the basis of the instrument’s amortized
cost) must be recognized in profit or loss.
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A.2.1 Expected Credit Losses
A.2.1.1 Recognition
Under U.S. GAAP, expected credit losses on HTM debt
securities are accounted for in a manner consistent with loans
receivable. See Section A.1 for more
information.
For AFS debt securities, ASC 326-30 states that an
impairment loss is recognized when the security’s fair value is less
than its amortized cost (excluding fair value hedge accounting
adjustments from active portfolio layer method hedges). This evaluation
must be performed on an individual security level.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, an impairment loss on a
financial asset accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI is recognized
immediately on the basis of expected credit losses.
A.2.1.2 Measurement
Under U.S. GAAP, expected credit losses on HTM debt
securities are accounted for in a manner consistent with loans
receivable. See Section A.1 for
more information.
ASC 326-30 states that for AFS debt securities, the
recognition of an impairment loss depends on whether the entity “intends
to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell
the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.”
If the entity “intends to sell the security or more
likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of
its amortized cost basis,” the impairment is equal to the difference
between the amortized cost basis and fair value and should be reflected
as a direct write-down of the security’s amortized cost basis and
recognized through earnings. If neither condition is met, the impairment
loss is separated into the credit loss component (through earnings) and
all other factors (through OCI). Under ASC 326-30-35-6, “[i]f the
present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the
amortized cost basis of the security” when the credit loss component of
the total impairment is measured, “a credit loss exists and an allowance
for credit losses shall be recorded for the credit loss, limited by the
amount that the fair value is less than amortized cost basis.”
Therefore, the amount of credit loss for an impaired AFS debt security
is the excess of (1) the security’s amortized cost basis over (2) the
present value of the investor’s best estimate of the cash flows expected
to be collected from the security
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, IFRS 9 employs a
dual-measurement approach that requires an entity to measure the loss
allowance for an asset accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI (other
than one that is POCI) at an amount equal to either (1) the 12-month
expected credit losses or (2) lifetime expected credit losses.
The measurement of 12-month expected credit losses, which reflects the
expected credit losses arising from default events possible within 12
months of the reporting date, is required if the asset’s credit risk has
not increased significantly since initial recognition. Further, an
entity is permitted to apply a 12-month expected credit loss measurement
if the credit risk, in absolute terms, is low as of the reporting date.
As noted in paragraph B5.5.22 of IFRS 9, the credit risk is considered
low if (1) there is a “low risk of default,” (2) “the borrower has a
strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the
near term,” and (3) “adverse changes in economic and business conditions
in the longer term may, but will not necessarily, reduce the ability of
the borrower to fulfill its contractual cash flow obligations.”
Paragraph B5.5.23 of IFRS 9 suggests that an “investment grade” rating
might be an indicator of low credit risk.
Paragraph 5.5.9 of IFRS 9 states that in assessing whether there has been
a significant increase in a financial asset’s credit risk, an entity is
required to consider “the change in the risk of a default occurring over
the expected life of the financial instrument instead of the change in
the amount of expected credit losses” since initial recognition.
Paragraph B5.5.17 of IFRS 9 provides a nonexhaustive list of factors
that an entity may consider in determining whether there has been a
significant increase in credit risk. For financial instruments for which
credit risk has significantly increased since initial recognition, the
allowance is measured as full lifetime expected credit losses, which
IFRS 9 defines as the “expected credit losses that result from all
possible default events over the expected life of a financial
instrument,” unless the credit risk is low as of the reporting date.
POCI financial assets (e.g., distressed debt) are
treated differently under IFRS 9. As stated in paragraph 5.5.13 of IFRS
9, for these assets, an entity recognizes only “the cumulative changes
in lifetime expected credit losses since initial recognition as a loss
allowance.” Changes in lifetime expected losses since initial
recognition are recognized in profit or loss. Thus, any favorable change
in lifetime expected credit losses since initial recognition of a POCI
financial asset is recognized as an impairment gain in profit or loss
regardless of whether a corresponding impairment loss was recorded for
the asset in previous periods.
A.2.1.3 Reversal of Recognized Losses
Under ASC 326-30, an entity must use an allowance when recognizing
expected credit losses on an AFS debt security. Any changes in the
allowance for expected credit losses on an AFS debt security would be
recognized as an adjustment to the entity’s credit loss expense.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, previously recognized
expected credit losses are reversed through profit or loss if the
expected credit losses decrease. Paragraph 5.5.8 of IFRS 9 states that
an “entity shall recognise in profit or loss, as an impairment gain or
loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is
required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the
amount that is required to be recognized in accordance with this
Standard [IFRS 9].”
A.2.2 Interest Income — Debt Securities
A.2.2.1 Interest Method: Interest Income Recognition and Revisions in Estimates (Not From a Modification)
Under U.S. GAAP, an entity typically recognizes interest
income on investments in debt securities accounted for at amortized cost
or FVTOCI in accordance with ASC 310-20-35-18 and ASC 310-20-35-26 by
applying the effective interest method on the basis of the contractual
cash flows of the security. An entity should not anticipate prepayments
of principal. However, the following are exceptions to this method of
recognizing interest income:
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If a debt security is part of a pool of prepayable financial assets and the timing and amount of prepayments are reasonably estimable, an entity is allowed to anticipate future principal prepayments when determining the appropriate EIR to apply to the debt security under ASC 310-20-35-26. If an entity anticipates estimated prepayments when measuring interest income of an investment in a debt security that is part of a pool of prepayable financial assets in accordance with ASC 310-20-35-26, the entity must continually recalculate the appropriate effective yield as prepayment assumptions change. That is, if the estimated future cash flows of a debt security change, the effective yield of the debt security must be recalculated to take into account the new prepayment assumptions. The adjustment to the interest method under ASC 310-20 must be retrospectively applied to the debt security. That is, the amortized cost of the debt security is adjusted to reflect what it would have been if the new effective yield had been used since the acquisition of the debt security, with a corresponding charge or credit to current-period earnings.
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If an investment in a debt security meets the definition of a PCD asset, an entity must not recognize as interest income the discount embedded in the purchase price that is attributable to the acquirer’s assessment of expected credit losses as of the acquisition date. The entity must accrete or amortize as interest income the non-credit-related discount or premium of a purchased financial asset with credit deterioration in accordance with the existing applicable guidance in ASC 310-20-35 or ASC 325-40-35.
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If the investment is a BI in a securitized financial asset, an entity would apply one of the following income recognition models:
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Non-PCD BI not accounted for under ASC 325-40 — Apply the effective interest method on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the security in accordance with ASC 310-20.
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Non-PCD BI accounted for under ASC 325-40 and classified as HTM:
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Under ASC 325-40 (as amended by ASU 2016-13), entities must initially estimate the timing and amount of all future cash inflows from a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 by employing assumptions used in the determination of fair value at recognition. The excess of those expected future cash flows over the initial investment is the accretable yield. Entities recognize this excess as interest income over the life of the investment by using the effective interest method.
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A subsequent adjustment to expected cash flows is recognized as a yield adjustment affecting interest income or, if related to credit, may be recognized through earnings by means of an allowance for credit losses. In other words, a cumulative adverse change in expected cash flows would be recognized as an allowance, and a cumulative favorable change in expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment.
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Non-PCD BI accounted for under ASC 325-40 and classified as AFS:
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Under ASC 325-40 (as amended by ASU 2016-13), entities must initially estimate the timing and amount of all future cash inflows from a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 by employing assumptions used in the determination of fair value at recognition. The excess of those expected future cash flows over the initial investment is the accretable yield. Entities recognize this excess as interest income over the life of the investment by using the effective interest method.
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A subsequent adjustment to expected cash flows is recognized as a yield adjustment affecting interest income or, if related to credit, may be recognized through earnings by means of an allowance for credit losses. In other words, a cumulative adverse change in expected cash flows would be recognized as an allowance, and a cumulative favorable change in expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment.If there has not been an adverse change in the cash flows expected to be collected but the BI’s fair value is significantly below its amortized cost basis, the entity is required to assess whether it intends to sell the BI or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the interest before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis. If so, the entity would be required to write down the BI to its fair value in accordance with ASC 326-30-35-10.
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PCD BI classified as HTM:
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Under the PCD accounting model in ASC 326-20, entities are required to gross up the cost basis of a PCD asset by the estimated credit losses as of the date of acquisition and establish a corresponding allowance for credit losses. The initial allowance is based on the difference between expected cash flows and contractual cash flows (adjusted for prepayments).
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For PCD assets within the scope of ASC 325-40 that are classified as HTM debt securities, cumulative adverse changes in expected cash flows would be recognized currently as an increase to the allowance for credit losses (in a manner similar to recognition under the normal ASC 325-40 model, as amended by ASU 2016-13). However, favorable changes in expected cash flows would first be recognized as a decrease to the allowance for credit losses (recognized currently in earnings). Favorable changes in expected cash flows would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment only when the allowance for credit losses is reduced to zero.
-
-
PCD BI classified as AFS:
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Under the PCD accounting model in ASC 326-20, entities are required to gross up the cost basis of a PCD asset by the estimated credit losses as of the acquisition date and establish a corresponding allowance for credit losses. The initial allowance is based on the difference between expected cash flows and contractual cash flows (adjusted for prepayments).
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For a PCD asset within the scope of ASC 325-40 that is classified as an AFS debt security, cumulative adverse changes in expected cash flows would be recognized currently as an increase to the allowance for credit losses (in a manner similar to the accounting under the normal ASC 325-40 model, as amended by ASU 2016-13). However, the allowance is limited to the difference between the AFS debt security’s fair value and its amortized cost. Favorable changes in expected cash flows would first be recognized as a decrease to the allowance for credit losses (recognized currently in earnings). Such changes would be recognized as a prospective yield adjustment only when the allowance for credit losses is reduced to zero. A change in expected cash flows that is attributable solely to a change in a variable interest rate on a plain-vanilla debt instrument does not result in a credit loss and would be accounted for as a prospective yield adjustment.
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-
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If an investment in a callable bond is purchased at a premium, the premium must be amortized to the next call date in accordance with ASC 310-20-35-33.
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If an investment in a debt security is considered a structured note but does not contain an embedded derivative that must be separated under ASC 815, the interest method articulated in ASC 320-10-35-40, which is based on estimated rather than contractual cash flows, must be applied.
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If an investment in a debt security to which the interest method in ASC 310-20-35-18(a) applies has a stated interest rate that increases during the term in such a way that “interest accrued under the interest method in early periods would exceed interest at the stated rate . . . , interest income shall not be recognized to the extent that the net investment . . . would increase to an amount greater than the amount at which the borrower could settle the obligation.” Thus, a limit on the accrual of interest income applies to certain investments in debt securities that have a stepped interest rate and contain a borrower prepayment option or issuer call option.
Under IFRS 9, an entity calculates interest revenue on
financial assets accounted for at amortized cost or FVTOCI by applying
the effective interest method. Appendix A of IFRS 9 defines the EIR of a
financial asset or liability as the “rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts
through the expected life of the financial asset
. . . to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset” (emphasis
added). Therefore, the effective interest method in IFRS 9, unlike that
in ASC 310-20, requires an entity to compute the EIR on the basis of the
estimated cash flows over the expected life of the instrument by
considering all contractual terms (e.g., prepayment, extension, call,
and similar options) but not expected credit losses. Under IFRS
Accounting Standards, there is no limit on the accrual of interest
income for investments in debt securities that have a stepped interest
rate and contain a borrower prepayment option or issuer call option.
Further, in its definition of an EIR, IFRS 9 states that in rare cases
in which it is not possible to reliably estimate the cash flows or the
expected life of the financial instrument, an entity should “use the
contractual cash flows over the full contractual term.”
The application of the effective interest method depends
on whether the financial asset is POCI or on whether it became
credit-impaired after initial recognition. When recognizing interest
revenue related to purchased or originated credit-impaired financial
assets under IFRS 9, an entity applies a credit-adjusted EIR to the
amortized cost carrying amount. The calculation of the credit-adjusted
interest rate is consistent with that of the EIR, except that the
calculation of the credit-adjusted interest rate takes into account expected credit losses within the expected
cash flows.
For a financial asset that is not purchased or originated
credit-impaired, paragraph 5.4.1 of IFRS 9 requires an entity to
calculate interest revenue as follows:
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Gross method — If the financial asset has not become credit-impaired since initial recognition, the entity applies the EIR to the gross carrying amount. Appendix A of IFRS 9 defines the gross carrying amount as the “amortised cost of a financial asset, before adjusting for any loss allowance.”
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Net method — If the financial asset has subsequently become credit-impaired, the entity applies the EIR to the amortized cost balance, which is the gross carrying amount adjusted for any loss allowance.
An entity that uses the net method is required to revert to the gross
method if (1) the credit risk of the financial instrument subsequently
improves to the extent that the financial asset is no longer
credit-impaired and (2) the improvement is objectively related to an
event that occurred after the net method was applied (see paragraph
5.4.2 of IFRS 9).
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, paragraphs B5.4.5 and
B5.4.6 of IFRS 9 provide guidance on when an entity should recalculate
the EIR:
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For floating-rate instruments that pay a market rate of interest, paragraph B5.4.5 of IFRS 9 specifies that the “periodic re-estimation of cash flows to reflect the movements in the market rates of interest alters the effective interest rate.” However, paragraph B5.4.5 of IFRS 9 further notes that for such floating-rate financial instruments, “re-estimating the future interest payments normally has no significant effect on the carrying amount of the asset or the liability” if the asset or liability was initially recognized at an amount that equals the principal receivable.
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For other instruments and for revisions of estimates, paragraph B5.4.6 of IFRS 9 usually requires an entity to recalculate the gross carrying amount of the financial asset “as the present value of the estimated future contractual cash flows that are discounted at the financial instrument’s original effective interest rate (or credit-adjusted effective interest rate for purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets).” The resulting “catch-up” adjustment to the carrying amount of the financial asset is recognized immediately in profit or loss. This catch-up approach of recognizing changes in estimated cash flows differs from both the prospective and retrospective approaches used under U.S. GAAP.
A.2.2.2 Nonaccrual of Interest
Under U.S. GAAP, there is no explicit requirement for when an entity
should cease recognizing interest income on investments in debt
securities. However, an entity is permitted to cease such recognition as
an accounting policy. In addition, while there is no indication in U.S.
GAAP on when the accrual of interest should cease, ASC 325-40 requires
that an entity use the cost recovery method when it cannot reliably
estimate cash flows on a BI within its scope. That is, once the decision
is made to put a BI within the scope of ASC 325-40 on nonaccrual status,
the cost recovery method should be applied (i.e., all cash receipts are
applied to the asset’s amortized cost basis). Other methods of
nonaccrual (e.g., recognition of interest income on a cash basis) are
not appropriate.
Under IFRS 9, an entity is not allowed to cease the
accrual of interest. Rather, interest income recognition is determined
on the basis of whether the asset is considered credit-impaired. That
is, if the financial asset has not become credit-impaired since initial
recognition, the entity applies the EIR method to the gross carrying
amount (the “gross method”). If the financial asset has subsequently
become credit-impaired, the entity applies the EIR to the amortized cost
balance, which is the gross carrying amount adjusted for any loss
allowance (“net method”). An entity using the net method should revert
to the gross method if (1) the credit risk of the financial instrument
subsequently improves to the extent that the financial asset is no
longer credit-impaired and (2) the improvement is objectively related to
an event that occurred after the net method was applied.
A.2.2.3 Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses on AFS/FVTOCI Debt Securities
Under U.S. GAAP, unrealized changes in the value of an
investment in a foreign-currency-denominated security classified as AFS
that are attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates are
recognized in OCI. ASC 320-10-35-36 states that the entire “change in
the fair value of foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt
securities, excluding the amount recorded in the allowance for credit
losses, shall be reported in other comprehensive income.” An entity must
report credit losses on AFS debt securities as credit losses in the
income statement.
Under IFRS Accounting Standards, unrealized changes in
the value of a foreign-currency-denominated debt instrument accounted
for at FVTOCI that are attributable to changes in the foreign exchange
rates are recognized in profit or loss. In accordance with paragraphs
5.7.10 and 5.7.11 of IFRS 9, the amount recognized in profit or loss for
debt instruments accounted for at FVTOCI is the same as the amount that
would be recognized in profit or loss for instruments accounted for at
amortized cost. Paragraph B5.7.2A of IFRS 9 further clarifies this
guidance:
For the purpose of recognising foreign
exchange gains and losses under IAS 21, a financial asset measured
at fair value through other comprehensive income in accordance with
paragraph 4.1.2A is treated as a monetary item. Accordingly, such a
financial asset is treated as an asset measured at amortised cost in
the foreign currency. Exchange differences on the amortised cost are
recognised in profit or loss and other changes in the carrying
amount are recognised in accordance with paragraph 5.7.10.
Note that under IFRS 9, the treatment discussed above does not apply to
investments in equity securities that an entity irrevocably elected to
account for at FVTOCI. An investment in such securities is accounted for
in a manner consistent with the guidance in paragraph B5.7.3 of IFRS 9,
which states that “[s]uch an investment is not a monetary item.
Accordingly, the gain or loss that is presented in other comprehensive
income . . . includes any related foreign exchange component.”
Footnotes
1
See ASC 326-30-35-1A.
2
ASU 2025-08 introduces the
concept of a PSL. This guidance only applies after
the adoption of ASU 2025-08. See Chapter
6 for further details.
3
See footnote 2.
4
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council,
FFIEC 031 and 041, “Call Report Instructions.”
5
See footnote 1.
6
See footnote 1.
7
See footnote 1.