The G4's role in the evolution of the international accounting standard setting process and partnership with the IASB

Abstract

Between 1992 and 2001, representatives of the G4 national accounting standard setting bodies and the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) participated in a working group known as the G4+1. Immediately following the formation of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the G4 announced that the working group would no longer meet. Alternatively, the G4 national standard setters would form a partnership with the IASB via liaison representatives. This paper focuses on the objectives and mission of the G4 +1, the G4's relationship with the IASC, the impact of the G4 on the restructuring of the IASC to establish a quality independent global accounting standard setter, former G4 participants’ perceptions of the IASB, and the significance of the IASB's current partnership with the G4 national accounting standard setters. The paper additionally discusses recent changes to the IASC Foundation Constitution and considers now modifications to the liaison structure may impact the IASB's partnership with its G4 national standard setting partners. Portions of a monograph published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales entitled Inside G4 +1: The Working Group's Role in the Evolution of the International Accounting Standard Setting Process provide the background for the paper.