Lease Accounting and the FASB-IASB Convergence Project
January 4, 2010
Balance Sheet Blues | www.cfo.com
A new thinking on accounting for leases appears to be emerging. Don't think of operating and financial leases. Instead think of right to use. Record the right to use as an asset and the future payments as a liability. In this analysis I draw attention to some of the possible ramifications of the same on financial statement presentation and the leveraging effect.
The Effect of Samuelson's Economics on my writing - A Personal Tribute
December 27, 2009
Economics Focus:Paul Samuelson | www.economist.com
Like many other students I have read and been guided by Samuelsons Textbook on Economics. I personally used the 10th Edition sometime in the late seventies. That book guided my understanding of Economics and also Financial Management to a great extent. This short analysis is a tribute to that great teacher who many like me never had the good fortune to meet yet were guided by his thoughts.
Dubai Debt - Accounting, Economics, Islamic Banking and the Rules of Finance
November 29, 2009
RBI to ask banks about their exposure in Dubai World | economictimes.indiatimes.com
The Middle Eastern countries and Islam do not believe in interest -money is not an asset and cannot have a cost (interest). It can only be traded in relation to some commodity. The present crisis has shown that if a cost is not attributed to money then the result is a crisis. In this analysis I look at the effects of the Dubai debt crisis in relation to accounting rules.
The Fair Value Debate - The Political Imperative - A Exercise in Futility?
November 19, 2009
Accounting Rules:Divided and Overruled | www.economist.com
Fair value has been in the news for sometime. Also banks are now complaining and so are regulators and politicians. The convergence issue and the impact of a far off standard setter not subject to local influence is having its effects on the debate. In this analysis I look at why fair value should not be influenced by those not well conversant with the subject. While I agree that accountants alone should not influence the debate yet the undue influence of politicians should be avoided.
The Economic Downturn and Revival - Challenges for Accountants and Auditors
November 12, 2009
Failed financial firms:The bust that worked | www.economist.com
The referred article speaks of the bankruptcy reorganization plan of one Institution. In this analysis I take the referred Institution as a referral point to examine/highlight the challenges which accountants and auditors will face in their stewardship and attest function.
Accounting and The Gold Price - Fair Value - Valuation Problems to be Expected
November 4, 2009
Gold Price Tops $1090 for First Time | economictimes.indiatimes.com
As the price of gold rises on a week on week basis one can expect to see ramifications in the accounting arena. There are a number of investment products sold in the market which are linked to the price of gold and its physical holding. In this analysis I look at the nature of problems to be expected - especially in relation to fair value disclosures.
Working Capital - Internal Audit and Control - Accounting Standards
October 30, 2009
A Crash Course in Working Capital | www.cfo.com
The referred Article speaks of the importance of working capital, internal audit and proper financial statement and how these interact to provide a proper business growth environment. In my analysis below I give my thoughts on these aspects.
Offshoring - Changing Accounting Dynamics - Auditing and Control
October 8, 2009
The New Calculus of Offshoring | www.cfo.com
Increased overseas costs, security dynamics and the sudden availability of newly jobless employees has changed the offshoring dynamics. Offshoring continues but the repetitive tasks with high risk and control difficulties are getting out of the offshoring matrix. In this analysis I look at the effects of these changing dynamics in relation to auditing and control factors.
Central Bank Policy - Gold - Dollar - Accounting and the Gold Standard
October 8, 2009
Central Banks in Europe Hold Rates Steady | www.nytimes.com
The policy of Central Banks over the last year has left the monetary system in a state of limbo. The value of the dollar in terms of bullion and other commodities is taking a beating. The increasing value of gold in currency terms reminds one of the days of the gold standard and the benefits of having gold as a store of value. In this analysis I take a look at how this increasing value of gold may effect internal controls and corporate financial policies.
Business Cycles, Legislation and Accounting - Where will it Lead?
September 15, 2009
For Obama, a Chance to Reform the Street is Fading | www.nytimes.com
The current recession is part of a business cycle. The reasons for the recession are several but then a trough after a long period of prosperity is to be expected. President Obama puts the blame on investment bankers and executives. There is also talk of legislation to limit further repeats. I wonder how this will impact accounting and in turn the figures on which financial decisions are made. In this analysis i present some of my thoughts on the subject..
Sovereign and financial crises: Europe and the U.S.
January 18, 2012
How much longer can the Japanese Yen be a "haven currency"?
December 13, 2011
Not all bank tech vendors are equal
December 12, 2011
Eksportfinans downgrade surprises investors
December 5, 2011