●
meets the definition of an intangible asset under IAS 38 as it is an identifiable
non-monetary asset without physical substance. However, it is not clear how to
interpret IAS 38’s scope exception for assets held for sale in the ordinary course of
business in the context of digital currencies [14].
●
could be scoped into IAS 2 as inventory, however, it is not clear how to
interpret the measurement exception for commodity broker-traders in the context of
digital currencies [15].
IAS 38 defines an intangible asset as an identifiable non-monetary asset without
physical substance. It goes on to define a monetary asset as money held and assets to
be received in fixed or determinable amounts of money. In our opinion, based on
current IFRS literature, digital currencies would meet the definition of an intangible
asset. [12].
Even though digital currencies meet the definition of intangible assets, IAS 38
excludes from its scope intangible assets held by an entity for sale in the ordinary
course of business. Such intangible assets should be accounted for as inventory under
IAS 2.
It is necessary to pay attention to the subject’s sphere of activity, because
under
IAS 38 it is either based on a cost model or a revaluation model (through OCI) and
under IAS 2 it is based on lower of cost or net realisable value.
Focussing on the subsequent measurement requirements of these standards, a
holding of digital currency could be measured as follows:
●
Intangible assets – IAS 38 sets out two alternatives for subsequent
measurement; the cost model and the revaluation model (using other comprehensive
income rather than fully recognising changes through profit or loss).
●
Inventory – IAS 2 requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and
net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary
course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs
necessary to make the sale.
●
Commodity broker-trader – IAS 2 requires commodity broker-trader
transactions to be recognised at fair values less costs to sell through the profit and loss.
For comparison, the analysis of the Standard, which was adopted in Japan in 2018,
should be carried out.
The Act is prescribes the following regarding the recognition of
assets and liabilities relating to virtual currencies held by a virtual currency dealer on
behalf of its customers:
(a) A virtual currency dealer should recognize an asset when a virtual currency is
deposited by the customer based on the agreement between the virtual currency dealer
and the customer. Such virtual currency should be measured using the market price at
the date the virtual currency was deposited.
(b) At the same time, a virtual currency dealer should recognize the obligation to
return the virtual currency to the customer as a liability. The liability should be
measured at the same amount of the corresponding asset [13].
- 75 -