A Research-Based Perspective on the SEC’s Proposed Rule—Roadmap for the Potential Use of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by U.S. Issuers
评论美国证交会关于允许美国公司使用国际财务报告准则的提案，提出全球监管者作用被夸大、应允许公司选择准则、审计需原则导向、反对强制调节表、关注教育后果等五点意见。
SYNOPSIS: The Securities and Exchange Commission (hereafter, SEC) issued a call for comment on a proposal to adopt a roadmap for potential use of international financial reporting standards (hereafter, IFRS) by U.S. companies. We comment on five key issues raised by the SEC proposal. First, we propose that the need for a global regulator is overstated. A global regulator is unlikely to help achieve the stated goals of comparability and consistency of financial reporting on a global basis. We favor allowing U.S. companies to choose use of U.S. GAAP or IFRS rather than mandating one global monopoly set of standards. Second, we agree that the focus on auditing is a very relevant issue that deserves more attention from standard setters. Gains from adopting principles-based accounting standards such as IFRS are likely to be realized only if auditors are also principles-based. Third, while we have serious concerns about governance and financing mechanisms of the International Accounting Standards Board (hereafter, IASB), we recommend that all regulatory actions cannot be held to a standstill while structural changes are made to the IASB. Fourth, we are not in favor of requiring reconciliation schedules from U.S. companies using IFRS. We view such reconciliations as being costly and unnecessary. Fifth, we recommend that the SEC pay more explicit attention to the educational and professional judgment consequences of its proposals.