The Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements was originally issued in 1989. In 2004, the IASB and the FASB decided to review and revise the conceptual framework. However, this decision changed priorities and the slow progress in the project led to the project being abandoned in 2010. This was after only Phase A of the original joint project was finalized and introduced into the existing framework as Chapters 1 and 3 in September 2010.
The current form of the conceptual framework as at May 2018 provides a revised and complete version of the framework.

Required:
Explain FOUR (4) primary reasons why the IASB believed it was necessary to revise its conceptual framework. (4 marks)

Four Primary Reasons Why the IASB Revised the Conceptual Framework:

  1. Gaps and Outdated Concepts in the Original Framework:
    The original conceptual framework, issued in 1989, was incomplete in several areas, and many of its concepts were outdated. The revised framework was necessary to fill these gaps, ensure consistency, and address new developments in financial reporting, such as emerging issues related to fair value accounting, measurement uncertainties, and more complex financial instruments.
  2. Need for Clearer Guidance on Key Areas:
    There was a growing demand from users of financial statements, preparers, and standard-setters for clearer and more comprehensive guidance on fundamental areas like the definition of assets and liabilities, recognition criteria, and measurement bases. The revised framework aimed to clarify these key elements, which are crucial for the consistent application of financial reporting standards.
  3. Improving Consistency Across Standards:
    The IASB recognized that certain inconsistencies had emerged between the conceptual framework and some IFRS standards. The revision sought to ensure that the framework is consistent with existing and future standards, thus helping to avoid conflicts and provide a solid foundation for developing new standards and interpreting existing ones.
  4. Enhancing Decision-Usefulness for Users of Financial Statements:
    The primary objective of financial reporting is to provide information that is useful to investors, creditors, and other users in making decisions. The revision of the framework aimed to strengthen the focus on decision-usefulness by refining the qualitative characteristics of useful financial information (such as relevance and faithful representation) and ensuring the framework remains aligned with the evolving needs of financial statement users.