Fair Value Accounting and Its Usefulness to Financial Statement Users

Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to discuss fair value accounting and its usefulness to financial statement users. The European Commission has recently endorsed IFRS 13 on fair value measurement and is considering the endorsement of IFRS 9, which extends the use of fair value for financial instruments. Furthermore, fair value accounting has been under deep scrutiny because of its alleged role in the financial crisis. Therefore, the usefulness of fair value accounting is a key issue for standard setting purposes. Design/Methodology/Approach – This paper delineates the theoretical background for fair value accounting, it provides empirical evidence on its usefulness, it highlights some controversial issues and makes some proposals for standard setting discussion. Findings – Empirical research raises some doubts on fair value reliability. Furthermore, fair value accounting alone cannot provide information useful to evaluate stewardship. Historical cost is also needed. A dual measurement and financial reporting system could therefore deliver more complete and useful information to financial statement users. Practical implications – This paper provides the reader with a comprehensive picture of the main issues related to fair value accounting and contributes to the standard setting debate on the optimal measurement system. Originality/value – This paper reframes the debate on historical versus fair value accounting by explaining the reason why a dual measurement and reporting model should be implemented.