IASB provides transition option to insurers applying IFRS 17

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued a narrow-scope amendment to the transition requirements in IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts, providing insurers with an option aimed at improving the usefulness of information to investors on initial application of the new Standard.

The amendment relates to insurers’ transition to the new Standard only―it does not affect any other requirements in IFRS 17.

IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 Financial Instruments have different transition requirements. For some insurers, these differences can cause temporary accounting mismatches between financial assets and insurance contract liabilities in the comparative information they present in their financial statements when applying IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 for the first time.

The amendment will help insurers to avoid these temporary accounting mismatches and, therefore, will improve the usefulness of comparative information for investors. It does this by providing insurers with an option for the presentation of comparative information about financial assets.

IFRS 17, including this amendment, is effective for annual reporting periods starting on or after 1 January 2023.

Access Initial Application of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9—Comparative Information (IFRS Digital subscription is required).