What are the benefits of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (replacement of IAS 39)?

International Financial Reporting Standards 9 is categorized into three phases.

Classification and Measurement:

Classification determines how financial assets and financial liabilities are accounted for in financial statements and, in particular, how they are measured on an ongoing basis. IFRS 9 introduces a logical approach for the classification of financial assets driven by cash flow characteristics and the business model in which an asset is held. This single, principle-based approach replaces existing rule-based requirements that are complex and difficult to apply. The new model also results in a single impairment model being applied to all financial instruments removing a source of complexity associated with previous accounting requirements.

Impairment:

During the financial crisis, the delayed recognition of credit losses on loans (and other financial instruments) was identified as a weakness in existing accounting standards. IFRS 9 has introduced a new, expected loss impairment model that will require more timely recognition of expected credit losses. Specifically, the new Standard requires entities to account for expected credit losses from when financial instruments are first recognized and it lowers the threshold for recognition of full lifetime expected losses.

Hedge Accounting:

IFRS 9 introduces a substantially-reformed model for hedge accounting with enhanced disclosures about risk management activity. The new model represents a substantial overhaul of hedge accounting that aligns the accounting treatment with risk management activities, enabling entities to better reflect these activities in their financial statements. In addition, as a result of these changes, users of the financial statements will be provided with better information about risk management and the effect of hedge accounting on the financial statements