Since 2005 listed groups in the UK have been required to prepare their consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). Almost all other groups and companies have a choice. They can choose to follow IFRSs or UK GAAP.
For periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015, three new Financial Reporting Standards (FRS 100, 101 and 102) will be in force, bringing with them a number of new options for all UK entities and groups. Those small entities that chose to apply the small entities regime and who currently apply the FRSSE will have to follow 'Section 1A Small Entities' within FRS 102 for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016. Micro-entities that currently apply the FRSSE will be able to apply FRS 105 if they qualify as micro entities from 1 January 2016.
The three new FRSs have been developed by the Accounting Standards Board (‘ASB', the predecessor of what is now the Accounting Council of the FRC) to replace Old UK GAAP and introduce an IFRS-based reduced disclosure framework for certain entities.
In addition to the above three standards, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) issued another standard, FRS 103 Insurance Contracts in March 2014. FRS 103 contains specific accounting requirements for that have insurance contracts (including reinsurance contracts) and are applying FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’.
Companies who operate within specialised industries or sectors will also apply the requirements of their specific Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) in conjunction with the Financial Reporting Standards. Most of the various SORP-issuing bodies have revised their SORPs in the light of FRS 102.
In March 2015 the FRC also issued FRS 104 Interim Financial Reporting, which is intended for use in the preparation of interim financial reports by those entities that apply FRS 102 but may also be used as a basis for preparing interim reports by those entities applying FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.