International Accounting Standards Board Research Articles

Classification and presentation of equity in IFRS financial statements

Subject. This article examines the methodological basis for the classification and presentation of an organization's equity in financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Objectives. The article aims to substantiate the approach to the classification and presentation of information on the equity of an organization, ensuring its relevance and faithfulness. Methods. For the study, we used a logical analysis. Results. Based on the analysis, the article confirms the prospects for the combined use of the two features of the classification of capital items proposed in the Exposure Draft IASB/ED/2023/5 by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Conclusions. As innovative financial instruments emerge, new problems will arise with the classification of financial instruments that have characteristics of both capital and liabilities. In this regard, it is necessary to continue research in the direction of the evolution of approaches to the classification of capital.

Size matters: When do minor discontinued operations become major?

Purpose: This paper explores the thresholds that firms apply when classifying discontinued operations in accordance with the requirement in IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (IFRS 5). Motivation: The IFRS 5 requirement, that only major operations may be classified as discontinued operations, is vague and open to interpretation. Existing literature is largely silent on what firms deem as major, whether diversity exists in practice, and whether the classification decision can be linked to earnings management. Methodology: The sample includes financial statement data of listed South African firms for the financial years ending 2016 to 2022. Univariate analyses and graphical presentations are used to address the research questions. Main findings: Diversity exists as to what firms deem as major discontinued operations. A non-negligible portion of firms classify relatively minor operations as discontinued. Evidence shows that firms’ classification decision is related to whether the discontinued operations incurred losses and whether a firm is audited by a Big Four auditor. No evidence of earnings management through meeting or beating performance benchmarks is found. Practical implications: The paper contributes to a long-standing request to the International Accounting Standards Board to provide guidance on the classification of discontinued operations. The observed thresholds can be used in the decision-making process of practitioners and tertiary educators when assessing whether an operation meets the size requirement of IFRS 5. Contribution: The paper contributes to the limited literature on the topic and relies on hand-collected data that could not be found on commonly used databases.

“Loss distribution”: the accounting treatment, corporate and tax ramifications, in Brazil

This study describes the accounting treatment and underlying basis of the allocation of losses to partners, not of dividends, but within intra-corporate transactions, according to the IFRS. The study takes into account the fact that there is not always a specific legal requirement for implementation in other countries, as is the case in Brazil, although in the legal literature such treatment is acknowledged internationally. The assumption of accounting loss to a partner's account was originally introduced in the Brazilian Income Tax legislation of 1977. That accounting technique was determined by the Federal Revenue Service. Although Congress was responsible in this period for the accounting discipline, specifically for Corporation Law, they remained silent in this regard. Consequently, the lack of specific legal provisions for corporate accounting standards may have led, in oblique ways, to a small exploration of this topic and its little practical use in the real world. Considering such factors, this research investigates the accounting treatment options currently applicable to this type of transaction in Brazil, under the influence of common law, and various tax and corporate ramifications stemming from its adoption; this paper also aims to publicize possible grounds for propagating the practice, based on the guidelines laid down by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Applying the qualitative research method, it was possible to conclude that the assumption of loss to the partner account is equivalent to a capital contribution, in the form of contributions made by supporting shareholders. For this reason, shareholders record it as investments and the investee company does not record any revenue, although there is an effective equity increase. Due to being a non-onerous act, given the absence of issuance of shares, there is no change in existing equity interests, nor taxation on the agents involved. The allocation of losses to partners is practical in its contractual form, dispensing with the need for share capital to be increased by the partners and later reduced, commonly referred to in European Law as coup d’accordéon and operação harmónio, which simplifies the transaction and corporate records. This work considers the accounting treatment according to the IFRS, while at all times taking into account the legal framework applied to the transaction, locally and according to international corporate literature, with a view to encourage more extensive use and its resultant benefits.

Emerging Chinese status in international accounting standard setting: A social network analysis of the International Accounting Standards Board

ABSTRACT This study employs a network analysis with centrality measures to trace China’s evolving position within the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) governance network. The analysis spans from 2001 to 2021, revealing the shifts in China’s position from a marginal to a more central one in the IFRS governance network. The benefit of information and control across the network empowers China to emerge as an important force influencing the operations of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and IFRS development. The findings contribute to our understanding of the political dynamics in international accounting regulations. Insights gleaned from China’s experience offer implications for other jurisdictional constituents aspiring to amplify their influence in IFRS development. While acknowledging certain limitations in the study, this research concludes by advocating for a deeper exploration of China’s representation role in the IASB’s decision-making process.

Major Changes in IFRS and Comparison with US GAAP

The evolution of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reflects the needs of the global business environment and the pursuit of higher quality financial reporting. This paper discusses and explores major changes implemented in IFRS, specifically in the areas of revenue recognition, lease accounting, and the treatment of intangible assets. The shortcomings of the past application of IFRS standards in these aspects are presented in this paper, as well as changes and benefits after IFRS made corresponding modifications. By reviewing materials and literature, the study conducts a comparison between IFRS and the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP). These two major accounting frameworks have adopted unique methods and standards. Still, both the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) work hard together to realize international harmonization. The outcomes of this research make it clear that ongoing refinements to IFRS have significantly improved the clarity, consistency, and comparability in how financial activities are reported. Such changes have been pivotal in diminishing uncertainties and bolstering the trustworthiness of financial disclosures. Being influenced by the continuous developments in IFRS, greater transparency and accountability in financial reporting will be achieved. This has made a great contribution to helping investors in sound economic decision-making and enhancing investor confidence.

International Financial Reporting Standards Convergence Process for Small and Medium-Sized Entities

The "International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Convergence Process for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (SMEs)" seeks to address the unique challenges and requirements faced by smaller businesses in adhering to international accounting and reporting standards. This initiative recognizes that SMEs operate in diverse economic environments and have distinct financial reporting needs compared to larger enterprises. The primary purpose of this convergence process is to enhance the relevance, accessibility, and practicality of IFRS for SMEs, fostering consistency in financial reporting practices across global markets.A project to create accounting standards appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) is being worked on by the International Accounting Standards Board. This abstract provides an overview of the convergence process involving International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for Small and Medium Sized Entities (SMEs). With the global landscape of financial reporting constantly evolving, the integration of IFRS tailored specifically for SMEs marks a pivotal transition towards harmonizing financial reporting practices. This paper examines the essential elements and implications of this convergence, addressing the challenges and benefits faced by SMEs as they align with these international standards. The analysis delves into the driving factors behind the convergence, including the necessity for a unified and transparent financial reporting framework, aiming to facilitate comparability and accessibility of financial information across borders. Furthermore, the abstract discusses the potential impact on SMEs' financial reporting quality, decision-making processes, and access to capital. Through a comprehensive review of the convergence process, this abstract seeks to contribute to the understanding of the significance and implications of adopting IFRS for SMEs, thereby providing valuable insights for practitioners, regulators, and stakeholders in the financial reporting ecosystem.

Labelling in financial reporting: An examination of “other comprehensive income” and non‐professional investors' judgements

AbstractOther comprehensive income (OCI) is often confusing for financial statement users and the International Accounting Standards Board has proposed new labelling to improve its presentation. Using an experimental method, we find that OCI labelling influences non‐professional investors' evaluation and judgements on financial performance. Non‐professional investors place greater weight on OCI information presented with explicit labels when assessing both the current and future performance of a company. Our results indicate that improving the presentation of OCI information enhances their perceived relevance in investors' decision‐making. The results have practical implications for standard setters and financial statement users.

Interpreting IFRS: The Evolving Role of Agenda Decisions

This study examines the evolution of the interpretative support provided by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IC), the interpretative body of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), over the period 2002–2019. The study focuses on its most frequent output, agenda decisions (ADs), which can provide guidance that practice has long considered relevant and has been explicitly considered authoritative since 2020. We investigate whether the IC has provided additional guidance and changed the formulation of ADs over time in response to constituents’ criticism from the perspective of legitimacy theory. We find that the IC has progressively added more explanatory material and formulated ADs in a more complete and nuanced manner so as to gain consequential legitimacy by substantially addressing the constituents’ interpretation demands. This evolution points to the growing role of ADs, which strike a balance between difficult to reconcile objectives. Providing more substantial support to constituents’ submissions can be seen as a balancing act between a more explicit shift from principles to rules, and leaving room for local interpretations that could threaten the consistent application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In shedding light on the IC's substantial response to the challenges posed by conflicting pressures and objectives, we add to the standard‐setting literature by providing evidence‐based insights into under‐researched areas of IFRS interpretation. We also respond to calls for more policy‐oriented research and offer two proposals to enhance the clarity of ADs in the light of their evolving content and increasing relevance.

Measurement Claim Reserving Insurance Contract in Accordance with IFRS 17 using Stochastic State Space Model

International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17) is a global accounting standard developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). It guides the accounting treatment of insurance contracts in financial statements. In IFRS 17, claim reserving is vital for measuring insurance contracts and determining the Contractual Service Margin (CSM). The claim reserving process involves estimating expected claim payouts over the contract’s duration. These estimates are crucial for calculating the liability for incurred claims and determining the CSM, representing unearned profit. Claim data is treated as ordered data by sorting the run-off triangle row-wise, resulting univariate time series with missing values. The state space model provides a framework for modeling time series, assuming system development over time. By taking the log of claim data so that the data is normally distributed, the lognormal state space model, along with Kalman recursion algorithms, can be applied for Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) projections. The lognormal state space model’s IBNR reserve estimate is more precise and sufficient to compensate loss than the chain ladder method. Furthermore, the performance of the lognormal state space model outperforms the chain ladder method by means of model validation using RMSE, MAE, RSE, and R2.

Istraživanje uticaja prve primene MSFI 16 u hotelskoj industriji u Srbiji

The effects of the implementation of IFRS 16 in the hotel industry, as one of the industries with the highest amounts of leased assets, is the primary focus of this paper. The International Accounting Standards Board adopted International Financial Reporting Standard 16 - Leases in January 2016, replacing International Accounting Standard 17 - Leases, for reporting periods starting on or after 1st January 2019. The updated regulations introduce different accounting models for lessees and lessors. The influence of IFRS 16 on a reporting entity is contingent on the quantity of existing operating lease agreements and differs across various industries. The research sample includes financial reports of 64 hotels per reporting period (2020-21), totaling 128 observation units. Data analysis included the application of statistical tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Shapiro-Wilk test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The research results indicate that aside from other events, the adoption of IFRS 16 had an impact on the financial performance of observed hotels and their key financial statement items.

Editorial

Editorial

Principles based accounting standards, audit fees and going concern: evidence using advanced machine learning

PurposeThe current study uses an advanced machine learning method and aims to investigate whether auditors perceive financial statements that are principles-based as less risky. More specifically, this study aims to explore the association between principles-based accounting standards and audit pricing and between principles-based accounting standards and the likelihood of receiving a going concern opinion.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses an advanced machine-learning method to understand the role of principles-based accounting standards in predicting audit fees and going concern opinion. The study also uses multiple regression models defining audit fees and the probability of receiving going concern opinion. The analyses are complemented by additional tests such as economic significance, firm fixed effects, propensity score matching, entropy balancing, change analysis, yearly regression results and controlling for managerial risk-taking incentives and governance variables.FindingsThe paper provides empirical evidence that auditors charge less audit fees to clients whose financial statements are more principles-based. The finding suggests that auditors perceive financial statements that are principles-based less risky. The study also provides evidence that the probability of receiving a going-concern opinion reduces as firms rely more on principles-based standards. The finding further suggests that auditors discount the financial numbers supplied by the managers using rules-based standards. The study also reveals that the degree of reliance by a US firm on principles-based accounting standards has a negative impact on accounting conservatism, the risk of financial statement misstatement, accruals and the difficulty in predicting future earnings. This suggests potential mechanisms through which principles-based accounting standards influence auditors’ risk assessments.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors recognize the limitation of this study regarding the sample period. Prior studies compare rules vs principles-based standards by focusing on the differences between US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or pre- and post-IFRS adoption, which raises questions about differences in cross-country settings and institutional environment and other confounding factors such as transition costs. This study addresses these issues by comparing rules vs principles-based standards within the US GAAP setting. However, this limits the sample period to the year 2006 because the measure of the relative extent to which a US firm is reliant upon principles-based standards is available until 2006.Practical implicationsThe study has major public policy suggestions as it responds to the call by Jay Clayton and Mary Jo White, the former Chairs of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to pursue high-quality, globally accepted accounting standards to ensure that investors continue to receive clear and reliable financial information globally. The study also recognizes the notable public policy implications, particularly in light of the current Chair of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) Andreas Barckow’s recent public statement, which emphasizes the importance of principles-based standards and their ability to address sustainability concerns, including emerging risks such as climate change.Originality/valueThe study has major public policy suggestions because it demonstrates the value of principles-based standards. The study responds to the call by Jay Clayton and Mary Jo White, the former Chairs of the US SEC, to pursue high-quality, globally accepted accounting standards to ensure that investors continue to receive clear and reliable financial information as business transactions and investor needs continue to evolve globally. The study also recognizes the notable public policy implications, particularly in light of the current Chair of the IASB Andreas Barckow’s recent public statement, which emphasizes the importance of principles-based standards and their ability to address sustainability concerns, including emerging risks like climate change. The study fills the gap in the literature that auditors perceive principles-based financial statements as less risky and further expands the literature by providing empirical evidence that the likelihood of receiving a going concern opinion is increasing in the degree of rules-based standards.

Choice of Participation Method in Setting International Accounting Standards: Evidence from EFRAG as an Intermediary for Indirect Participation

Synopsis The research problem Prior empirical research on constituents’ participation in setting international accounting standards has focused on their decision whether or not to participate directly in the standard setter’s due process. However, because that focus neglects constituents’ choice between direct participation and indirect participation via an intermediary, we investigated the determinants of using an indirect method of participation as a substitute for, or in complement to, direct participation. Institutional setting We exploited the European institutional setting, where the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) serves as an intermediary for indirect participation in the due process of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The test hypotheses Based on rational choice theory, we hypothesized that constituents from EFRAG’s inner circle and from countries with smaller capital markets, lower English-language proficiency, and/or an accounting value profile more different from that embodied in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have a higher probability of choosing to use indirect participation. Adopted methodology Using a sample of 7,766 comment letters (CLs) from 2005–2017, we focused on individual constituents and traced their use of indirect participation (i.e., sending CLs to EFRAG) versus direct participation (i.e., sending CLs to the IASB). We employed logistic regression models using the methods of participation as dependent variable to test our hypotheses. Controlling for factors used in prior research on direct participation, we estimated a primary model for the full sample of constituents and a secondary model with firm-specific variables for the subsample of constituents classified as corporate preparers. Findings and implications We found strong evidence that the constituents’ membership in EFRAG’s inner circle is positively related, and capital market size in the constituents’ home countries is negatively related, to choosing to use indirect participation. Country-level English-language proficiency and differences in the accounting value profile in relation to IFRS also determine the choice of participation method. Our findings suggest that a preference for indirect participation relates to the barriers to using direct participation. We provide initial evidence of a neglected aspect of Sutton’ s ( 1984 ) rational choice model and implications for EFRAG’s role as an intermediary.

The impact of directors' attributes on IFRS fair value disclosure: an institutional perspective

PurposeThe current study investigates the impact of directors' attributes on the extent of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) fair value disclosure requirements. The attributes investigated include directors' human capital (accounting qualification) and social capital (political association), directors' share ownership and the power distance between the chief executive officer (CEO) and the rest of the board members.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses disclosure analysis to measure the extent of compliance with the fair value disclosure requirements of IFRS. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is used to test the relationship between the disclosure score and directors' attributes. Data were collected from the annual reports and websites of the sample companies.FindingsContrary to conventional belief, this study's findings suggest that directors' social capital and the power distance between the CEO and the rest of the board act as more powerful factors than directors' human capital in explaining corporate mandatory disclosure. Specifically, the results indicate that powerful actors form a dominant coalition and co-opt influential constituents from the institutional domain to neutralize the effect of legal coercion and the accounting expertise of board members and Big Four audit firms on the extent of compliance with institutional (fair value) rules.Research limitations/implicationsThis study utilizes Oliver's (1991) framework of strategic response to institutional processes in the Bangladeshi context. Although the study provides new insights into corporate disclosure practices, findings are not generalizable due to different institutional settings in different countries. Therefore, future studies could replicate the approach in different institutional settings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study will be of interest to the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as it focuses on a developing country that has adopted IFRS 13 and other fair value-related standards relatively recently.Originality/valueThe disclosure analysis contained in this study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the extent of compliance with the fair value disclosure requirements of IFRS. Furthermore, this study considers the impact of directors' social capital and finds that it is a more powerful determinant of the extent of compliance with IFRS as compared to human capital.

Maintaining and extending hegemony: The politics of accounting standard setting

This paper offers a critical analysis of the politics of accounting standard setting. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) hold an increasingly monopolistic role in accounting regulation across the globe, and make claims to transparency, neutrality and superior expertise to legitimize their hegemonic position. In 2009 the IASB extended their standard setting beyond listed entities to the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-Sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs). This paper explores the political antagonisms surrounding this extension, finding that the IASB undertook this project to block counter articulations from several bodies. To unpack the politics of the IASB’s extension this paper draws on Laclau and Mouffe’s hegemony and Glynos and Howarth’s political logics, to argue that the IASB maintain and extend hegemony by dismissing and blocking alternatives through the rhetoric of superior expertise, which ultimately enables them to extend ideologies of advanced financial capital and capital markets to new spaces.

Due process as a legitimating mechanism: Participation and responsiveness in the development of IFRS 17: Insurance contracts

This paper investigates the role of due process in legitimizing the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and uses the development of IFRS 17-Insurance Contracts (IASB, 2017a) as a case study. It examines stakeholders’ participation and assesses the IASB’s responsiveness to the views expressed in the comment letters. It focuses on changes in recognition, valuation, and disclosure during the 10-year process, in which the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) played a relevant role. For input and through-put legitimacy analysis, we conduct content analysis of comment letters and consult additional sources to understand key concerns in insurance accounting. The IASB received substantial feedback from diverse stakeholders and geographical regions, primarily preparers and European constituents. Our findings indicate that decisions throughout the standard-setting process align with stakeholders’ interests, without preferential treatment for any groups, affirming the institution’s legitimacy was preserved. This confirms that the IASB’s due process can be seen as a shield against political and constituent pressures. Nevertheless, this study cannot definitively attribute identified changes solely to comment letters, as other channels may have been equally influential.

Financial Statements in Accordance with IFRS 16 for Leases in the Context of COVID 19

This article determines the effects of applying the new requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS 16 on leases, proposed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Council (FASB), Regarding the correct preparation of the explanatory notes of the complete set of the financial statements of the companies generated with the new amendments to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), in turn, the EBITDA indicator ('Earnings Before Interests') was analyzed. , Tax, Depreciation and Amortization') that shows the gross operating profit before deducting financial expenses. It is the gross operating result, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, whose purpose is to evaluate the behavior and financial situation of companies and the key issues of the Audit report, the effects on a case of a company listed on the stock exchange and the review of 900 Spanish companies from 2019 to 2021, on the profitability indicator (EBITDA) demonstrating by a mixed study, that the guidelines of the regulators caused in the company accelerated processes for its implementation and understanding of the new dynamics that are required in a changing world in the presentation of financial statements . Among the results obtained, it is highlighted that the financial indicators of the companies suffered a lethal impact in the change of IFRS 16 for leases, due to the variations of the items of the financial situation and presentation in the disclosures the uniformity of the information with the previous periods, within the factors the increase in assets, increase in liabilities, and decrease in operating expenses stand out, influencing directly between the indicators that users take into account for their analysis. It is concluded that for the group of companies that did not undergo significant changes were those that had previously classified leases as financial, lease contracts previously classified as operating, if there were significant changes.

Accounting for Equity Financial Instruments Under IFRS 9: Determinants and Usefulness

This oral presentation aims to discuss the results of my study regarding the determinants and usefulness of accounting for equity financial instruments after the effect of the new accounting standard: International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 Financial Instruments. The prohibition of recycling fair value gains or losses (FVGL) on equity instruments from other comprehensive income (OCI) to profit or loss when derecognition and the default fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) presentation with alternative fair value through OCI (FVTOCI) option are some major changes for equity financial instruments accounting in IFRS 9. Motivated by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)’s continuing monitoring implementation evidence on equity instruments classification and measurement, I examine firms’ accounting choices in presenting FVGL on EFA either at FVTOCI or at FVTPL under the framework of Positive Accounting Theory (PAT) and whether the presentation location matters to investors in ASX 500 firms. I find that firms’ EFA holdings are not changed after IFRS 9 in terms of whether to hold an EFA or EFA holding amount. FVGL on EFA presentation location choice is not used opportunistically in firms to smooth earnings or increase profitability. However, information asymmetry for FVTOCI presentation choice increased after IFRS 9 adoption in non-financial firms. EFA amount in financial firms provides incremental value relevance to the market regardless of IFRS 9 adoption, and the EFA presentation location matters to investors. The results of this study provide evidence to standard setters to understand the determinants and usefulness of EFA under IFRS 9, which has implications for further revisions. I contribute to the debate around whether to recycle FVGL from OCI or not. Moreover, I extend accounting choice and value relevance literature in financial instruments accounting that is of value to a broad constituency, such as managers, investors, and various financial statement users.

Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to Enhance Financial Reporting in Oman

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are rapidly adopted globally to enhance financial reporting quality. All firms in Oman are required to follow IFRS. In addition, the Accounting Standards Board adopted IFRS in their entirety. The project objective is to test the relationship between the adoption of IFRS and financial reporting in Oman. This research used a quantitative method. The population of this study were 112 companies at Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) for the year ended 2020 in Oman. The sample size of this project was 92 from three sectors of listed companies (Financial Sector 30, Industrial Sector 32, and Service Sector 30). The project results show a significant positive relationship between the adoption of IFRS and financial reporting in Oman. Firms that were Adopt-IFRS-Effective had high financial reporting quality, while firms that were Adopt-IFRS-Not-Effective did not affect their quality. This is because financial reporting is not solely dependent on these standards but has an impact. The implications of this research result in better-informed judgments for investors as the information included in the annual reports improves comparisons that facilitate the further flow of investments. Furthermore, provides significant insight into the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Also, this study has been added to the literature by examining the Adoption of IFRS on financial reporting in Oman context. Besides, this might add benefits to many firms relating to their current accounting standards practice that might lead to adopting IFRS to ensure the application of applicable accounting standards to show fair financial statements to its stakeholders. This current research is one of the first works in the context of Sultanate of Oman. It has added a new discussion to the body of knowledge considering the IFRS and their link with financial reporting quality. Furthermore, conducting such research in the accounting field provides new insight into the IFRS literature among both developed and emerging economies including Oman.

Environmental Awareness of Enterprises through Their Disclosure Magnitude: UK and US Evidence

In the absence of a validly mandatory public policy and a meaningful conceptual framework, corporate environmental disclosure practices have been diverse (Matthews, 1993). In other words, the lack of a single generally accepted standard in which environmental reports can be developed, akin to that of financial reporting principles, is one of the reasons for this undoubted dissimilarity in environmental reporting practices. However, there are imperative requirements relating to environmental information disclosure in many developed countries, for example, environmental related information is required in the Business Review in accordance with s.417 of the Act (Great Britain. Companies Act 2006) in the UK and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has developed rules governing disclosure of environmental liabilities, in relation to Items 101, 103, 303 and 503(c) in SEC Regulation S-K (SEC, 2008). The former is rather vague as it is not underpinned by a robust speculative structure, whereas the latter has only focussed on the disclosure of financial information that is environmentally related despite the non-financial nature of predominant environmental information. In response to these, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has very recently issued the foundational standards, which are IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, to steer corporate sustainability-related disclosures worldwide. The former inaugurally provide general conceptual foundations and the latter has primarily pointed on climate risks and opportunities. The other dimensions are forsaken to line up sometimes in the future. Keywords: Environmental Information Disclosure, Environmental Reporting, Disclosure Quantity, UK, US