An Empirical Study of the Development of Hedge Accounting in European Banks under IAS 39 and IFRS 9 Standards since 2018

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Theoretical Framework

2.1 Explanation of hedge accounting and its importance for banks

2.2 Overview of IAS 39 and its limitations for hedge accounting

2.3 Explanation of IFRS 9 and its impact on hedge accounting

2.4 Comparison of IAS 39 and IFRS 9

2.5 Auditor review on the transition of banks to the application of IFRS 9

2.6 Summary of expectations

3 Methodology

3.1 Data collection process

3.1.1 Selection Procedure for the Sample

3.1.2 Procedure for Gathering relevant Data

3.1.3 Constraints on Data Resulting from Disclosure Quality

3.2 Description of the variables used

3.3 Description of data analysis techniques used

3.4 Explanation of the regression analysis and its importance

4 Empirical Results

4.1 Descriptive analysis and interpretation of the data collected since 2017

4.1.1 Qualitative reasons by supervised banks to switch to IFRS 9

4.1.2 Application of IFRS 9 with geographical analysis

4.1.3 Derivative-intensity, hedge intensity of transitioned banks and MFVH, MCFH

4.1.4 Development of hedge results in comparison with interest rates

4.1.5 Auditors of banks transitioned to IFRS 9 hedge accounting

4.1.6 Development of CET1 ratio for transitioned banks

4.1.7 Nominal amount of CCY and IRS derivatives

4.2 Regression analysis on the impact of switching to IFRS 9 hedge accounting in European Banks

4.2.1 Influence of country of residence

4.2.2 Influence of size

4.2.3 Influence of year

4.2.4 Influence of hedge-intensity

4.2.5 Influence of MFVH and MCFH

4.2.6 Influence of CCY swaps and IRS nominal

4.2.7 Influence of CET1 ration in 2022

4.2.8 Influence of Auditor

5 Conclusion

Research Objectives & Topics

This master thesis examines the evolution of hedge accounting practices among European banks following the 2018 implementation of IFRS 9. It specifically contrasts these practices with the legacy IAS 39 standard, exploring the factors that influence banks to switch, including hedging strategies, hedging volumes, and capital ratios, verified through regression analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of accounting shifts in the European banking sector.

• Evolution of the hedge accounting landscape in European banks post-2018.
• Comparative analysis of IAS 39 and IFRS 9 accounting implementations.
• Evaluation of regional and regulatory influences on accounting standard adoption.
• Assessment of the impact of hedging strategies on bank performance and CET1 ratios.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the challenges within IAS 39 and the transition to IFRS 9, outlining the research objectives for analyzing hedge accounting developments in European banks.

2 Theoretical Framework: Details the foundational principles of hedge accounting, compares the rules-based IAS 39 with the principles-based IFRS 9, and discusses the role of auditors in this transition.

3 Methodology: Describes the data collection process from annual reports of 80 ECB-supervised banks and explains the use of descriptive statistics and logistic regression for data analysis.

4 Empirical Results: Presents detailed analyses of bank transitions, geographical distributions, and the factors identified through regression models, such as the influence of bank size, year of transition, and auditor involvement.

5 Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings, noting that while the year of implementation is a significant factor in switching, no other variables showed clear statistical significance in influencing the adoption of IFRS 9.

Keywords

Hedge Accounting, IFRS 9, IAS 39, European Banks, Risk Management, Financial Reporting, Derivative-intensity, Hedge-intensity, CET1 Ratio, Logistic Regression, Macro Hedging, Micro Hedging, Financial Instruments, SSM, ECB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this thesis?

The thesis investigates the evolution of hedge accounting practices in European banks after the implementation of IFRS 9 in 2018, specifically analyzing the transition from the previous IAS 39 standard.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

The research focuses on the differences between IAS 39 and IFRS 9, geographical and institutional trends in adoption, the role of external auditors, and the impact of these changes on bank risk management and capital adequacy.

What is the main research question or objective?

The primary objective is to evaluate how European banks have adapted their hedge accounting practices and to identify which factors (e.g., bank size, regional location, hedging volume) statistically influence the decision to switch to IFRS 9.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The study utilizes a quantitative approach, gathering data from annual reports of 80 ECB-supervised entities and employing binary logistic regression models to test the significance of different variables in the adoption decision.

What is addressed in the main body (Empirical Results)?

The empirical section presents a comparative descriptive analysis and regression results, exploring qualitative reasons for standard adoption, geographical trends, the development of hedge results, and the impact of specific financial instruments.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include Hedge Accounting, IFRS 9, IAS 39, European Banks, Risk Management, Derivative-intensity, and Logistic Regression.

Why do many banks choose to stay with IAS 39?

Many banks prefer IAS 39 because the standard for macro or portfolio hedging under IFRS 9 has not yet been finalized, and restructuring existing complex portfolio hedging processes would be resource-intensive.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic influence the findings?

The pandemic created an uncertain environment that caused banks to postpone accounting projects, contributing to a slowing trend in the transition to IFRS 9 in the years immediately following 2018.

Does the auditor choice significantly influence the switch?

The study found that, while auditors are involved in the implementation discussion, the statistical regression analyses did not confirm a significant link between using a specific audit firm and the decision to adopt IFRS 9.