IASB releases new standard on leases

On 13 January 2016 the IASB released IFRS 16 'Leases', completing its long-running project on lease accounting. IFRS 16 will require lessees to account for leases 'on-balance sheet' by recognising a 'right-of-use' asset and a lease liability.

IFRS 16 also:

• changes the definition of a lease
• sets requirements on how to account for the asset and liability, including complexities such as non-lease elements, variable lease payments and option periods
• provides exemptions for short-term leases and leases of low value assets
• changes the accounting for sale and leaseback arrangements
• largely retains IAS 17's approach to lessor accounting
• introduces new disclosure requirements.

The Standard is effective for periods on or after 1 January 2019, with early application permitted in certain circumstances.