Cryptocurrencies have emerged as a transformative force in the financial world, challenging traditional accounting frameworks and prompting regulatory bodies to clarify how these digital assets should be treated under international standards. This article explores the accounting treatment of cryptocurrency holdings under IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), focusing on classification, measurement, and disclosure requirements.
The discussion is based on an agenda decision by the IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee), which provides authoritative guidance on applying IFRS to cryptoassets. The core objective is to determine whether cryptocurrencies qualify as intangible assets, financial assets, or inventory—and what that means for financial reporting.
What Qualifies as a Cryptocurrency Under IFRS?
For the purposes of this analysis, the Committee defines a cryptocurrency as a subset of cryptoassets that meet all of the following criteria:
- It is a digital or virtual currency recorded on a distributed ledger (such as blockchain) and secured using cryptography.
- It is not issued by a government or central authority.
- It does not create a contractual relationship between the holder and another party.
This definition excludes stablecoins or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which may be backed by reserves or issued by regulated entities and thus fall under different accounting treatments.
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Are Cryptocurrencies Intangible Assets?
Under IAS 38 – Intangible Assets, an intangible asset is defined as "an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance." To qualify, the asset must also be separable or arise from legal rights.
Cryptocurrencies satisfy this definition because:
- They are separable — they can be transferred, sold, or exchanged independently.
- They are non-monetary — they do not entitle the holder to a fixed or determinable amount of currency.
Since cryptocurrencies lack physical form, are identifiable, and do not represent a claim on another entity, they meet the criteria for classification as intangible assets under IAS 38—unless another standard applies.
Why Cryptocurrencies Are Not Financial Assets
One of the key questions addressed was whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as financial assets under IAS 32 – Financial Instruments: Presentation.
According to IAS 32, a financial asset includes:
- Cash
- Equity instruments of another entity
- Contractual rights to receive cash or other financial assets
- Contracts settled in the entity’s own equity
The Committee concluded that cryptocurrencies are not financial assets, for several reasons:
- They are not cash, as they are not widely accepted as a medium of exchange or used as the basis for measuring transactions in financial statements.
- They do not represent equity in any issuing entity.
- They do not create contractual rights — ownership does not grant claims against others.
- They are not contracts that can be settled in equity instruments.
Therefore, IAS 32 does not apply to pure cryptocurrencies that lack issuer backing or contractual obligations.
When Are Cryptocurrencies Considered Inventory?
Under certain business models, cryptocurrencies may be classified as inventory rather than intangible assets. According to IAS 2 – Inventories, assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business fall within its scope.
This applies when:
- An entity operates as a crypto trader or exchange platform.
- Cryptocurrencies are acquired primarily for resale in the near term to profit from price fluctuations.
- The entity functions as a broker-trader, similar to commodity traders.
In such cases, IAS 2 governs accounting treatment, and inventories should be measured at fair value less costs to sell, especially if the entity qualifies as a broker-trader under paragraph 3(b) of IAS 2.
This distinction is crucial: while most holders treat crypto as intangibles, active trading entities must follow inventory rules, impacting valuation and profit recognition.
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Accounting Standards Summary
| Situation | Applicable Standard |
|---|---|
| Holding crypto for long-term investment or operational use | IAS 38 – Intangible Assets |
| Holding crypto for resale in regular business operations | IAS 2 – Inventories |
| Acting as a broker-trader of cryptoassets | IAS 2 with fair value measurement |
Disclosure Requirements
Transparency is essential when reporting cryptocurrency holdings. Entities must provide disclosures that help users understand the nature, risks, and financial impact of these assets.
Key disclosure obligations include:
1. Classification and Measurement (IAS 1)
Entities must disclose management judgments that significantly affect reported amounts. For example, explaining why IAS 38 was applied instead of IAS 2 requires clear justification.
2. Inventory Disclosures (IAS 2)
If cryptocurrencies are treated as inventory, entities must disclose:
- Measurement basis (cost or fair value less costs to sell)
- Carrying amount
- Any write-downs to net realizable value
3. Intangible Asset Disclosures (IAS 38)
For crypto held under IAS 38, required disclosures include:
- Useful life assumptions (finite or indefinite)
- Amortization method (if applicable)
- Carrying amount and changes during the period
- Impairment losses
4. Fair Value Measurement (IFRS 13)
If measured at fair value, entities must follow IFRS 13’s hierarchy:
- Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets
- Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices but observable
- Level 3: Unobservable inputs (common for illiquid tokens)
Disclosures must include valuation techniques and sensitivity analysis for Level 3 assets.
5. Subsequent Events (IAS 10)
Material changes in cryptocurrency value after the reporting date but before financial statements are issued may constitute non-adjusting events. These require disclosure if omission could influence user decisions.
For example, a sharp market crash post-balance sheet date should be disclosed with estimated financial impact—or a statement that estimation isn't possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a cryptocurrency ever be classified as cash under IFRS?
No. According to IAS 32, cash must serve as a universal medium of exchange and the basis for financial measurement. No cryptocurrency currently meets this threshold due to limited acceptance and high volatility.
Q: How should companies account for Bitcoin held as a long-term investment?
Bitcoin held for long-term purposes—without intent to trade—should be classified as an intangible asset under IAS 38 and initially measured at cost. Subsequent measurement can be cost or revalued amount if an active market exists.
Q: What happens if a company accepts cryptocurrency as payment for goods?
Receiving crypto as payment creates a new transaction. At the point of sale, the entity recognizes revenue at the fair value of the cryptocurrency received, based on market rates at that date. The received crypto then becomes an asset (intangible or inventory), subject to ongoing accounting rules.
Q: Do stablecoins follow the same rules?
Not necessarily. Stablecoins backed by fiat reserves may qualify as financial assets if they represent contractual claims. Their treatment depends on structure and backing—each must be assessed individually.
Q: Is amortization required for cryptocurrency under IAS 38?
No. Cryptocurrencies typically have indefinite useful lives, so they are not amortized. However, they must be tested annually for impairment, especially given market volatility.
Q: Can gains from cryptocurrency price increases be recognized regularly?
Under IAS 38, revaluation gains are only recognized if there’s an active market—and even then, they go to equity (revaluation surplus), not profit. For inventory under IAS 2, fair value changes flow through profit or loss.
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Core Keywords
- Cryptocurrency accounting
- IFRS Standards
- IAS 38 intangible assets
- IAS 2 inventories
- Financial asset classification
- Fair value measurement
- Crypto disclosure requirements
- Digital asset reporting
As digital assets continue to evolve, so too will their integration into formal accounting systems. Staying aligned with IFRS ensures transparency, comparability, and trust in financial reporting across global markets.