The first IAS were published in 1975 by die IASC, which was formed in 1973, Since then, the process for sctdng LAS has undergone substantial evolution, culminating in the 2001 restructuring of the IASC into the LASB. In recognition of the quality of the core set of IAS, in 2000 the International Organization of Securities Commissions recommended that the world’s securities regulators permit foreign issuers to use IAS for cross-border offer-ings (IOSCO [2000]). As of 2005, almost all publicly listed companies in Europe and many other countries are required to prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In addition, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has embarked on a comprehensive project aimed at convergence between IFRS and U.S. standards.