Implementing IFRS in the banking system

The use of IFRS in the banking system improves transparency and comparability of accounts for investors and other stakeholders, and consequently can have a positive impact through improving access to capital and funding. Also, greater transparency and comparability of reporting is the way to go in the aftermath of the crisis. The UK is strongly of the view that Europe should use IFRS as published by the International Accounting Standards Board. As part of the overall response to the financial crisis, there has of course been a tightening of prudential rules for banks by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The most important element is the package known as 'Basel III'. This package significantly increases minimum levels of capital which regulators will require banks to hold, and also - for the first time - introduces an internationally agreed approach to the quantitative regulation of bank liquidity. The need for clearer presentation of risk information in bank reporting and the need for better and more regular dialogue between auditors and bank supervisors, to enable both parties to perform their duties more effectively and efficiently.