FASB's changes on disclosing private information

According to CFO, there is debate as to how companies are handling lawsuits and their accounting rules and disclosures. Under the new rules of FASB, companies would not have to disclose any information that they feel is prejudicial or confidential. This would include not disclosing any information about the money they pay to investors to settle disagreements.

Last September, when the board decided companies would have at least another year before having to comply with the new rules, it agreed to collect more feedback by asking companies to do sample runs of its first proposal and the alternative version currently being crafted. However, only a few companies have shown interest in participating.

Read the full article here.

Fair market value rules may expand

According to Bloomberg, last week, FASB decided to consider expanding fair market value rules. Accountants could end up expanding mark-to-market across all financial assets. Read the full article here.

Accouting for leases may change soon

An article at CFO updates us on the current progress of an accounting rule that could change the way companies account for leases. Any company that leases plants, property or equipment would be responsible for FASB predicts this new rule will be in place by 2011.

Under the current rule, companies distinguish between capital lease obligations, which appear on the balance sheet, and operating leases (or rental contracts), which do not. Based on FASB's and IASB's discussion paper on the topic, released earlier this year, the new rule will likely require companies to also capitalize assets that have traditionally fallen under the "operating lease" category, making them appear more highly leveraged.

Read the full article here.

You Business Impact Assessement

At the IFRS USA blog, they suggest conducting a impact assessement. How will your financial statements be affected by the new accounting system. The IFRS USA blog provided a list:

• The FASB & IASB have several topics on their convergence Agenda including:
• Financial Statement Presentation (Performance Reporting)
• IFRS 2 Share-based Payment Amendment – group cash-settled share-based payment transactions Impairment
• Income Taxes – Reconsideration of IAS 12
• Insurance Contracts – Phase II (Comprehensive Project)
• Joint Ventures – Reconsideration of IAS 31 Leases
• Liabilities (was part of Business Combinations – Phase II)
• Post-employment Benefits including Pensions
• Rate-regulated Activities
• Related Party Disclosures
• Revenue Recognition
• (IFRS for) Small and Medium-sized Entities (also referred to as Private Entities and Non-publicly Accountable Entities)
• Intangible Assets Extractive Activities IFRS XBRL Taxonomy
• Conceptual Framework Project Update
• Business Combinations Project Update
• Financial Statement Presentation
• Revenue Recognition Project Update