AASB, MASB, and CPA Australia Launch Joint Research Report Addressing Key Accounting Challenges

Monday, May 26, 2025

The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB), and CPA Australia have today released AASB Research Report 24 / MASB Research Report 3 – Addressing Key Accounting Challenges.

This joint Report, informed by a collaborative survey conducted in January 2025 and a review of published financial statements, provides valuable insights into stakeholder perspectives on accounting issues that warrant attention and prioritisation. The findings of the joint Report will serve as a meaningful contribution to the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as it prepares for its forthcoming Fourth Agenda Consultation.

The research is divided into two main sections:

• Part A: IASB Agenda Priorities – This section summarises stakeholder feedback on critical areas for IASB’s consideration. Key topics include enhancing operating segment reporting, introducing standardised pollutant pricing disclosures, and re-examining high-priority areas like the development of cryptocurrency accounting standard and going concern disclosures. Stakeholders also identified other areas for improvement, such as discount rates, contingent consideration, and government grants, citing inconsistencies and the need for clearer guidance. A strong call was made for better connectivity between the IASB and the ISSB to align financial and sustainability reporting.
  
  
• Part B: Segment Reporting Analysis – This section presents a comparative analysis of segment disclosures by the top 50 listed entities on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Bursa Malaysia (BM). Findings indicate that IFRS 8 Operating Segments are largely well-applied, with alignment to internal reporting structures. The Report recommends, among others, greater clarity in Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) identification and clearer segmentation bases to enhance international comparability.

Access the infographic summarising the research report.

Access the AASB Research Report 24 / MASB Research Report 3 - Addressing Key Accounting Challenges.