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Fair value accounting: Current practice and perspectives for future research

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  • Ryan McDonough
  • Argyro Panaretou
  • Catherine Shakespeare

Abstract

A fundamental issue debated in the accounting literature centres on the appropriate basis for measuring firms’ assets and liabilities. During the last several decades, scholars have generated a growing body of important insights about the use of the fair value measurement attribute in financial reports around the globe. In this paper, we provide an overview of the institutional background of fair value accounting and the associated accounting standards that prescribe the use of fair value measurements under International Financial Reporting Standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the US. We discuss and document the extent to which firms across different industries and accounting regimes recognize and disclose in their financial reports assets and liabilities measured at fair value and we reflect on aspects of the fair value accounting literature. In doing this, we identify several areas in which additional research can further our understanding of fair value measurements and disclosures.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan McDonough & Argyro Panaretou & Catherine Shakespeare, 2020. "Fair value accounting: Current practice and perspectives for future research," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(3-4), pages 303-332, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jbfnac:v:47:y:2020:i:3-4:p:303-332
    DOI: 10.1111/jbfa.12447
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    2. Inês Pinto & Ana Isabel Morais, 2022. "Classification of Equity Instruments under IFRS 9: Determinants and Consequences," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 32(4), pages 411-426, December.
    3. Claudia Cătălina CIOCAN, 2022. "Historical Cost vs Fair Value in Accounting: Consequences for the Quality of Financial Information and the True and Fair View," CECCAR Business Review, Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania (CECCAR), vol. 3(10), pages 48-59, October.
    4. Darren Henderson, 2022. "Fair values and compensation contracting: Evidence from real estate firms," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(5-6), pages 627-657, May.
    5. Estibaliz Goicoechea & Fernando Gómez-Bezares & José Vicente Ugarte, 2021. "Improving Audit Reports: A Consensus between Auditors and Users," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-25, April.
    6. Wessel M Badenhorst & Rieka von Well, 2023. "The Value‐relevance of Fair Value Measurement for Inventories," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(2), pages 135-159, June.
    7. Joohyung Ha, 2021. "Bank accounting conservatism and bank loan quality," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3-4), pages 498-532, March.

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