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Fair value

Fair value is a market-based that represents the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This definition emphasizes current market conditions and participant assumptions rather than entity-specific factors, ensuring consistency in financial reporting. Fair value applies to various assets and liabilities, including financial instruments, properties, and certain non-financial items, as required by standards like U.S. and IFRS. The concept of fair value originated in late 19th-century U.S. legal contexts, particularly in regulation cases such as Smyth v. Ames (1898), where it referred to a reasonable value for rate-setting purposes. By the 1980s, standard-setters began incorporating fair value into financial reporting standards to better reflect economic realities, moving away from for specific items. A major milestone came in 2006 with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS 157, now codified as ASC Topic 820), which established a unified framework for measuring fair value and introduced a three-level of inputs. The (IASB) followed in 2011 with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, aligning closely with FASB's approach to promote global comparability. Under this framework, fair value measurements prioritize observable market data through the input hierarchy: Level 1 uses unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 relies on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar items; and Level 3 employs unobservable inputs, like entity-developed models, when market data is unavailable. This structure enhances transparency and reduces subjectivity in valuations. Fair value accounting has faced criticism for introducing earnings volatility, particularly during the , but it remains integral for providing timely information on asset and liability values. Standards require extensive disclosures about measurement techniques, inputs, and sensitivity to support investor decision-making.

Definition and Principles

Core Definition

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This definition, adopted by both the (FASB) and the (IASB), emphasizes a market-based, hypothetical rather than an entity's specific circumstances. Central to this concept is the notion of an exit price, which reflects the perspective of a seller transferring the asset or liability, in contrast to an entry price that might represent the to acquire it. The exit price approach ensures that fair value captures the amount obtainable in a current , promoting consistency in financial reporting. Fair value applies broadly to the measurement of assets, liabilities, and equity instruments, but excludes the fair value of an entity's own equity instruments from the issuer's perspective, such as in share issuances. For instance, in valuing a non-financial asset like commercial , fair value would estimate the price from a hypothetical in an active between unrelated parties, assuming typical conditions. The measurement date serves as the critical reference point for determining fair value, representing the specific time at which the valuation is performed, distinct from any actual transaction date that may have occurred earlier. Market participants in this context are presumed to be knowledgeable, willing, and able to transact without compulsion.

Underlying Assumptions

Fair value estimation relies on specific assumptions about market participants to ensure measurements reflect , market-driven perspectives rather than entity-specific factors. Market participants are hypothetical buyers and sellers who are independent of the reporting entity, possess a reasonable of the asset or , are able to the in which the transaction would occur, and are willing to transact without compulsion. These characteristics promote neutrality by focusing on rational economic behaviors in competitive markets. An orderly forms another core assumption, implying that the asset or is exchanged after adequate exposure to the , allowing for usual activities, but excluding forced , distress situations, or liquidations. This assumption ensures the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a —known as the exit price—represents a normal course of business rather than an anomalous event. The principal , or in its absence the most advantageous , is presumed as the venue, defined by the with the greatest and activity for the asset or to which the reporting entity has access. This location and its participants determine the fair value, prioritizing observable over hypothetical alternatives. For liabilities, fair value incorporates non-performance risk, which includes the entity's own and the risk of failing to fulfill the obligation, adjusted to reflect what participants would demand to assume the liability. Non-financial assets are valued based on their , which is the optimal utilization from a participant's perspective that maximizes , potentially differing from the entity's current or intended use, and may involve grouping with other assets. Overall, these assumptions underscore the of fair value as a market-based measure, independent of the reporting entity's specific intentions, risks, or synergies, to maintain consistency and comparability across entities.

Economic Concepts

Relation to Market Price

In economic , the market represents the current quoted at which an asset or can be exchanged in an active market between willing participants, reflecting the point where supply meets based on all available information. This embodies the , where, in ideal conditions, it fully incorporates and risk assessments, providing a for fair value as the hypothetical in an orderly market. Fair value closely aligns with market price when observable transactions exist for identical assets or liabilities, prioritizing these prices as the primary input for measurement to ensure objectivity and relevance. However, adjustments are necessary if the subject asset differs in , , or terms from the quoted item; for instance, a large block sale may require a to account for , while transportation costs might adjust for locational variances. The bid-ask spread, which captures the difference between buying and selling prices in dealer markets, introduces nuance to this relation, as fair value typically employs the price within the spread most representative of an exit transaction—often the mid-market price for balanced positions. For example, if a quotes a bid of $100 and an ask of $102 in an active market, the fair value for a substantial holding might approximate $101, adjusted to reflect and transaction feasibility without undue entity-specific bias. In illiquid markets lacking frequent transactions, direct market prices are unavailable, compelling fair value estimates through alternative inputs or models, which can diverge from observable prices and introduce greater subjectivity while still aiming to approximate supply-demand dynamics.

Distinction from Market Value

In economic theory and , market value refers to the price at which an asset would trade in a competitive and under conditions requisite to a fair sale, reflecting the consensus of buyers and sellers based on current . This objective estimate is often derived from actual quoted prices or comparable transactions, emphasizing immediate and market conditions rather than long-term projections. While terminology can vary across contexts, in efficient markets, market value often serves as the basis for fair value measurements under standards like IFRS 13. A key similarity lies in their market-oriented focus: fair value represents the current price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, prioritizing observable data without entity-specific biases. aligns closely with this, particularly as the unadjusted quoted price in active markets (Level 1 inputs), though fair value extends to estimates using other inputs when direct market prices are unavailable. In appraisal contexts, such as , market value may involve adjustments to comparables for a probable sale price, but it remains grounded in market evidence rather than subjective appraisals. In trading contexts, like securities exchanges, both concepts approximate the price achievable in a , arm's-length under prevailing conditions, with minimal in active markets where prices reflect all available . can arise in illiquid or unique assets, where fair value models may incorporate additional data to estimate an price. For instance, a publicly traded company's is typically its based on the current price, reflecting immediate buyer-seller consensus. Its fair value, under standards, uses this quoted price as the primary measure (Level 1), with no bespoke adjustments needed in active markets. These concepts trace to , positing both as equilibrium outcomes of rational market interactions. In contrast, principles, as articulated by , distinguish market price (aligned with ) from intrinsic value, an estimate grounded in that may differ from current market levels.

Accounting Framework

Historical Development

The concept of fair value has roots in 19th-century economic theories that emphasized market-based exchanges and the determination of value through supply and demand, evolving from earlier ideas on asset valuation in appraisals during the early 20th century, where it was applied to tangible assets like real estate using methods such as sales comparison and income capitalization. By the 1930s, following the 1929 stock market crash, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), established in 1934, began pushing for more consistent and market-oriented valuations in financial reporting to restore investor confidence, issuing Accounting Series Release No. 4 in 1938 that prompted the Committee on Accounting Procedure to develop guidance on asset valuations, though historical cost accounting remained the prevailing model. The marked a significant escalation in debates over , as rising prices exposed the inadequacies of in reflecting economic reality; Accounting Research Study No. 3 in 1962 had already questioned rigid adherence to , advocating fair value for certain asset changes, while the Trueblood Report of 1973, issued by the on the Objectives of , stressed the need for reporting that delivers timely, decision-useful information, influencing the (FASB), formed in 1973, to consider multiple valuation bases including fair value. In the , global adoption accelerated amid demands for greater in capital markets, shifting away from dominance; for instance, FASB No. 115 (1993) mandated fair value measurement for trading and available-for-sale securities, enabling more current reflections of market conditions. However, pre-2008 discussions often underemphasized the risks of fair value, including potential earnings manipulation and in estimates, as highlighted in analyses of its predictive limitations. The intensified scrutiny and drove convergence between the FASB and the (IASB), culminating in key standards: FASB Statement No. 157 (2006), codified as ASC 820, established a framework for fair value measurements with enhanced disclosures, amended in 2009 via Staff Position FAS 157-4 to better handle inactive markets and in 2011 for consistency; meanwhile, IASB issued IFRS 13 in 2011, aligning international definitions and principles for fair value. These post-crisis efforts refined the measurement hierarchy for categorizing inputs used in valuations. More recently, in August 2024, the (PCAOB) approved amendments to Auditing Standard 2501, effective for audits of fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2025, to strengthen procedures for auditing estimates including fair value, such as evaluating external reliability and testing entity methods and assumptions, without altering core fair value definitions.

Measurement Hierarchy

The fair value measurement hierarchy is a that prioritizes the inputs used in valuation techniques to enhance the reliability, consistency, and comparability of fair value estimates. Established under both US (ASC 820) and IFRS (IFRS 13), it categorizes inputs into three levels based on the degree to which they are observable in the , with the objective of maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs while minimizing unobservable ones. This approach ensures that fair value is determined for each individual asset or liability, rather than on a basis, promoting in financial reporting. Level 1 inputs consist of quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date, providing the most reliable evidence of fair value. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or other observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, or credit spreads that are directly or indirectly observable and corroborated by . Level 3 inputs are unobservable, relying on the entity's own assumptions and data, such as internal models or projections, when relevant observable inputs are unavailable; these are used only when necessary and require the highest degree of judgment. For instance, the fair value of publicly traded would typically be categorized as Level 1 due to readily available quoted prices, whereas the valuation of private company might fall into Level 3, incorporating entity-specific models. Disclosure requirements under the emphasize transparency, particularly for Level 3 measurements, where entities must provide quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation techniques applied, and a illustrating how changes in those inputs could affect the fair value. Entities are also required to disclose the level within the for each class of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, along with any transfers between levels and the reasons for those transfers. The 's foundational structure was refined through 2011 amendments to ASC 820 (ASU 2011-04) and the issuance of IFRS 13, which converged US GAAP and IFRS requirements by clarifying the application of fair value to non-recurring measurements and nonfinancial assets, while enhancing disclosure consistency without altering the core levels. Subsequent updates, such as ASU 2018-13, have focused on streamlining disclosures rather than modifying the itself, which has remained stable through 2025. Overall, this framework reduces subjectivity in fair value assessments by prioritizing market-based evidence, thereby fostering greater confidence in reported financial positions.

Standards and Applications

US GAAP Requirements

Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP), fair value measurement is primarily codified in (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, which was originally issued as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 in September 2006. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value whenever other GAAP topics require or permit such measurements and requires expanded disclosures about the inputs and methods used. The outlined in ASC 820 prioritizes inputs into three levels—Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets), Level 2 (observable inputs other than Level 1 prices), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs)—to enhance the reliability and comparability of fair value estimates. The scope of fair value measurement under US GAAP is broad but targeted, applying mandatorily in specific areas such as financial instruments under ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, where entities may elect the fair value option for eligible items like debt securities or , with changes in fair value recognized in . In combinations governed by ASC Topic 805, all identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed must be measured at fair value on the acquisition date to reflect the economic reality of the transaction. Fair value is also required for assessments, such as under ASC Topic 350 for or ASC Topic 360 for long-lived assets, where it serves as the primary metric to determine recoverability when carrying amounts exceed recoverable amounts. Certain exceptions limit the application of ASC 820's fair value framework. For instance, the measurement of the benefit obligation under ASC Topic 715, Compensation—Retirement Benefits, uses actuarial methods like the projected unit credit approach and is excluded from ASC 820, whereas plan assets are measured at fair value consistent with ASC 820. Similarly, share-based payments under ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, use fair value-based measurements but follow distinct guidance that does not incorporate ASC 820's or valuation framework. Practical expedients are available in limited contexts, such as for portfolios or blocks of similar assets where active markets are unavailable, allowing entities to use or simplified allocation methods without violating the core principles of ASC 820. Recent updates in 2024 and 2025 have extended fair value's relevance to emerging . Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-08, issued in December 2023 and effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, requires certain assets—defined as intangible assets meeting specific criteria like —to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in , replacing prior cost-less-impairment models to better reflect their volatility. This integration aligns crypto holdings with broader fair value principles under ASC 820. Additionally, the (PCAOB) Auditing Standard (AS) 2501, Auditing Estimates, Including Fair Value Measurements—adopted in 2018 and amended through 2024—emphasizes auditors' responsibilities in testing fair value estimates, requiring a risk-based approach that includes evaluating management's assumptions and third-party data for significant accounts; the amendments are effective for audits of for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2025. Disclosures under ASC 820 distinguish between recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements to provide transparency into ongoing versus event-driven valuations. For recurring measurements, such as trading securities, entities must disclose the fair value at the reporting date, the level within the , and a for Level 3 items—including opening balances, total gains or losses, purchases, sales, issuances, settlements, and transfers—to highlight changes during the period. Nonrecurring measurements, like those from impairments, require similar disclosures but only when applied during the period, along with the reasons for the measurement. These requirements aim to enable users to assess the reliability of fair value inputs and potential uncertainty, particularly for Level 3 measurements reliant on unobservable data. For public entities, enforcement of fair value requirements falls under the oversight of the , which monitors compliance through reviews, comment letters, and enforcement actions to ensure adherence to US GAAP. The 's Division of Corporation Finance routinely examines fair value disclosures in filings, focusing on the reasonableness of Level 3 inputs and the consistency of measurement methods across periods, with potential implications for restatements or regulatory sanctions if deficiencies are identified.

IFRS Standards

IFRS 13, issued by the (IASB) in May 2011, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This standard establishes a single framework for measuring fair value and applies when other IFRSs require or permit fair value measurements or disclosures about fair value measurements, replacing piecemeal guidance in individual standards to enhance consistency across international financial reporting. While IFRS 13 aligns closely with the GAAP equivalent in FASB ASC 820 in terms of definition and measurement principles, it emphasizes global applicability through its integration into the broader IFRS framework, which is designed for use by entities in diverse jurisdictions worldwide. Under IFRS, fair value is applied to various asset and liability categories, including financial instruments under , where it is used for initial , subsequent of certain categories like fair value through profit or loss, and assessments. For property, plant, and equipment, permits an elective model where assets are carried at a revalued amount, measured as fair value less subsequent and , providing flexibility not generally available under US . Similarly, IAS 38 allows of intangible assets to fair value if an active market exists or reliable alternative estimates can be made, again on an elective basis, contrasting with the more mandatory scopes in US for certain items. In comparison to US , IFRS provides greater elective use of fair value, such as the revaluation model, while both require roll-forward reconciliations for recurring Level 3 measurements, IFRS mandates quantitative for Level 3 financial instruments with significant unobservable inputs, whereas US requires a description of the inputs' but not quantitative disclosure. IFRS 13 requires comprehensive disclosures about fair value measurements, including the valuation techniques used, inputs (categorized into a three-level of and unobservable data), and the effect of measurements on or loss or other , with specific quantitative information on uncertainty in Level 3 inputs through . The standard became effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 2013, with early adoption permitted, and applies retrospectively except for certain disclosures. Recent updates as of include IASB amendments to issued on 30 May 2024, which clarify the classification and measurement of financial instruments with sustainability-linked features, such as those tied to environmental, social, and governance performance targets, but these do not alter the core principles of fair value measurement in IFRS 13. In February 2025, the IASB issued the third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard, updating Section 12, Fair Value Measurement, to align more closely with IFRS 13, effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 2027. IFRS standards, including IFRS 13, are adopted in over 140 jurisdictions globally, with mandatory use for consolidated financial statements of listed companies in many countries, and the European Union requires endorsement of each standard by the European Commission before application, ensuring alignment with EU regulations while maintaining the global consistency of fair value reporting.

Valuation Techniques

Market Approach

The market approach is a valuation technique for measuring fair value that utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable (i.e., similar) assets, liabilities, or groups of assets and liabilities. This method relies on observable market data to reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, emphasizing an exit price in an orderly transaction. It is particularly effective when active markets exist, providing a direct benchmark for valuation without relying on entity-specific factors. Key methods within the market approach include the guideline public company method and matrix pricing. The guideline public company method applies valuation multiples derived from publicly traded companies similar to the subject entity, such as enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratios, to estimate the fair value of businesses or equity interests. For example, if comparable public companies trade at an average EV/EBITDA multiple of 8x, this multiple is applied to the subject company's EBITDA after selecting appropriate peers based on industry, size, and growth characteristics. Matrix pricing, commonly used for fixed-income securities like bonds that are not actively traded, employs a mathematical technique to interpolate values based on quoted prices of similar securities, adjusting for factors such as credit quality and maturity. Another technique is the comparable transactions method, which examines recent sales of similar assets to derive pricing metrics. Adjustments are essential to account for differences between the subject asset or and the comparables, ensuring the valuation reflects participant perspectives. These may include modifications for variations in , geographic , operational , or profiles; for instance, a smaller property might require an upward adjustment to a comparable sale price to compensate for scale economies in larger holdings. Such adjustments are qualitative or quantitative, guided by where possible, to avoid introducing inputs that could shift the measurement toward Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The market approach is most applicable to assets and liabilities with observable market data, aligning with Level 1 inputs (unadjusted quoted prices for identical items in active markets) and Level 2 inputs (prices for similar items or other observable adjustments). It is commonly used for real estate via comparable sales, financial instruments through quoted multiples, and businesses in mature industries with public peers. For example, valuing often involves adjusting recent sales of similar buildings in the same locale to estimate fair value. Qualitatively, fair value under the approach is derived as the comparable or multiple applied to the subject asset's relevant , multiplied by an adjustment to reconcile differences (e.g., Fair value ≈ Comparable × (1 + adjustment for condition)). This process prioritizes transparency and verifiability, with adjustments calibrated to evidence rather than subjective estimates. Limitations of the market approach include its dependence on active markets with sufficient comparable transactions; in illiquid or niche sectors, reliable data may be scarce, rendering the method impractical. It is particularly unsuitable for unique assets, such as specialized equipment or proprietary , where true comparables do not exist, potentially leading to unreliable valuations.

Income Approach

The income approach to fair value measurement converts expected future amounts, such as cash flows or , into a single amount that reflects current expectations about those future amounts. This approach is grounded in the principle that the value of an asset or derives from the economic benefits it is expected to generate for participants, discounted to account for the and risk. Under both GAAP (ASC 820) and IFRS (IFRS 13), it is one of three primary valuation approaches, applicable when sufficient on future benefits is available and or is limited. Key techniques within the income approach include the (DCF) model and the multi-period excess earnings method. The DCF model projects discrete-period cash flows and a terminal value, then discounts them to using a rate that incorporates market participant views on risk. The multi-period excess earnings method, often used for valuing individual intangible assets, isolates and discounts the incremental earnings attributable to a specific asset after accounting for returns on other assets. Essential elements are the projected cash flows, which must represent assumptions that market participants would use (rather than entity-specific forecasts), and the , typically the (WACC) or a risk-adjusted rate reflecting the , entity-specific risks, and premiums. These projections often incorporate growth rates derived from economic and to estimate long-term benefits. The fundamental formula for the DCF technique under the income approach is: \text{Fair value} = \sum_{t=1}^{n} \frac{\text{Expected cash flow}_t}{(1 + r)^t} + \frac{\text{Terminal value}}{(1 + r)^n} where r is the discount rate, t is the time period, and the terminal value captures cash flows beyond the discrete projection period. This calculation assumes cash flows are estimated from the perspective of market participants and avoids double-counting risks already embedded in the discount rate. The approach is particularly applicable to Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements, where observable is limited, such as for certain financial instruments, business enterprises, or intangible assets. For instance, valuing a might employ the relief-from- method, a variant of the approach that discounts hypothetical royalty payments the owner avoids by holding the asset rather than licensing it. This technique uses market-derived royalty rates and projected revenues to estimate future savings, making it suitable for unique intangibles without active markets. Valuations under the income approach are highly sensitive to key assumptions, such as growth rates in cash flows or changes in the , which can significantly alter the outcome. For this reason, standards require corroboration through multiple techniques or sensitivity analyses to ensure the result maximizes the use of relevant inputs and reflects participant perspectives.

Cost Approach

The cost approach to fair value estimates the of an asset based on the current amount required to replace its service capacity with a modern equivalent asset, reflecting what a participant would pay to acquire an asset with equivalent . This method is grounded in the principle that the of an asset is tied to the of reproducing or replacing its functionality, adjusted for any reductions in due to or outdated features. Under both US GAAP (ASC 820) and IFRS 13, the cost approach is one of three primary valuation techniques, particularly suited to nonfinancial assets where observable data is limited. Two main methods are employed within the cost approach: reproduction cost and replacement cost. Reproduction cost involves estimating the expense to construct an exact replica of the asset using the same materials, design, and standards as the original, which is useful for historical or unique structures but often impractical due to changes in technology or regulations. In contrast, replacement cost focuses on the current cost to build a functional equivalent asset that provides the same service capacity, typically using modern materials and methods, making it more commonly applied in contemporary valuations. The choice between these methods depends on the asset's characteristics and the availability of current cost data, with replacement cost preferred in most scenarios to reflect efficient market practices. Adjustments for are critical to the approach, as they account for losses in beyond physical wear. Physical obsolescence, akin to , deducts for deterioration due to age, use, or environmental factors, estimated through methods like age-life analysis. Functional obsolescence addresses reductions in utility from outdated , , or features that no longer meet current standards, such as inefficient machinery layouts, often measured by the to cure or capitalize. Economic obsolescence captures external factors diminishing , like adverse market conditions or regulatory changes, quantified via income shortfall or market-derived comparisons. These deductions ensure the estimate aligns with the asset's remaining . The core formula for the cost approach is expressed as: \text{Fair value} = \text{Current replacement cost} - \text{Depreciation and obsolescence} where current replacement cost is the expenditure to acquire or construct a substitute asset, and depreciation/obsolescence includes physical, functional, and economic components. This unobservable input-heavy method typically results in a Level 3 fair value classification under the measurement hierarchy, especially for specialized equipment lacking active markets. The cost approach is most applicable to tangible assets such as machinery, , or , where costs can be reliably estimated from supplier quotes or construction indices. For instance, valuing factory might involve calculating the cost to build a new machine with equivalent output capacity (e.g., $500,000), then subtracting physical for wear ($100,000), functional for outdated controls ($50,000), and economic due to market shifts ($75,000), yielding a fair value of $275,000. It is particularly effective for new or unique assets without comparable sales or income streams, but less so for income-generating properties. Despite its utility, the cost approach has limitations, as it does not incorporate an asset's income-generating potential, potentially overstating value for assets with limited future utility. It performs best for recently acquired or specialized assets where cost data is current and reliable, but may underperform in volatile markets where estimates are subjective.

Criticisms and Reforms

Role in Financial Crises

During the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, fair value accounting, particularly mark-to-market practices under SFAS 157, was criticized for amplifying bank losses on mortgage-backed securities in illiquid markets, contributing to procyclical effects that exacerbated market downturns. Critics argued that forced write-downs to depressed market prices created a feedback loop, where declining asset values led to reduced lending capacity and further price drops, intensifying the crisis's severity. However, empirical analyses found limited evidence that fair value directly caused excessive write-downs or downward spirals, suggesting other factors like were more dominant. In response, the (FASB) issued amendments in 2009, including FSP FAS 157-4, which clarified fair value measurements in inactive markets by allowing greater use of internal models and excluding distressed sales from inputs, effectively providing relief from strict mark-to-market for certain assets. Complementing this, FSP FAS 115-2 permitted of other-than-temporary charges, separating credit losses from non-credit components to avoid full write-downs on held securities, thereby offering banks options akin to held-to-maturity treatment during the turmoil. These changes aimed to mitigate procyclicality while preserving relevance, as evidenced by banks increasing reliance on Level 3 fair value estimates, which rose from about 9% to 15% of assets during the crisis. In , IFRS fair value requirements for assets on trading books intensified pressures during the 2010-2012 sovereign debt crisis, as immediate recognition of losses on bonds held at fair value strained amid falling sovereign yields and market . This contributed to interconnected risks between banks and sovereigns, with fair value exposures amplifying write-downs on peripheral debt. Prior to the 2008 crisis, fair value principles had played a positive role in enhancing transparency during scandals like in 2001, where abuses of mark-to-market exposed the need for rigorous application to prevent off-balance-sheet manipulations and restore investor confidence. Quantitative studies indicate fair value contributed significantly to asset impairments, with SEC data showing approximately 25-45% of bank assets measured at fair value by late 2008, leading to substantial write-downs on illiquid securities that eroded capital bases. In response, the London Summit in April 2009 urged setters to revise rules for financial instruments, emphasizing liquidity-based valuations and measures to reduce volatility without undermining relevance, influencing subsequent IASB and FASB updates.

Ongoing Debates and Updates

Fair value accounting offers several advantages, particularly in enhancing the relevance and comparability of compared to methods. By measuring assets and liabilities at their current market values, it provides users with timely information that better reflects economic realities and facilitates more informed decision-making by investors and stakeholders. This approach aligns financial reporting more closely with market dynamics, allowing for quicker adjustments to changing conditions and improved transparency in assessing an entity's true financial position. Despite these benefits, fair value accounting faces significant criticisms, including its procyclical nature, which can amplify economic downturns by forcing asset write-downs that reduce and constrain lending during crises. In particular, Level 3 estimates, which rely on unobservable inputs and significant judgment, are prone to , as they allow subjective assumptions that may overstate or understate values to influence reported earnings. This subjectivity raises concerns about reliability, especially in illiquid markets where verifiable data is scarce. Ongoing debates center on striking the right balance between fair value and amortized cost measurement, with proponents of the latter arguing it better matches the business models of institutions holding assets to maturity, avoiding from short-term market fluctuations. The 2023 highlighted risks in amortized cost accounting for held-to-maturity securities, where undisclosed unrealized losses contributed to issues, further fueling debates on expanding fair value requirements. Another key area of contention is the of risks into fair value inputs, as physical and transition risks from environmental changes can materially affect asset valuations, yet standards like IFRS 13 require explicit consideration of such factors in market participant assumptions. These discussions highlight the need for fair value models to incorporate forward-looking risks without introducing undue estimation uncertainty. In 2024 and 2025, the (ISSB), under the , has advanced consultations on sustainability disclosures through IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information) and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures), emphasizing their linkage to impacts like fair value measurements, with first reports expected in 2025 for periods beginning in 2024. While no major changes to the fair value have occurred, the (PCAOB) has reinforced auditing standards via AS 2501, which mandates rigorous testing of accounting estimates including fair value measurements to address subjectivity in Level 3 inputs. Looking ahead, potential models combining elements of fair value and are gaining traction to mitigate while preserving , as seen in current treatments for certain financial instruments. Emerging research also explores the use of in Level 3 valuations, leveraging for more consistent analysis of unobservable inputs and dynamic , potentially reducing and improving accuracy. Additionally, post-2023 developments underscore a stronger emphasis on factors in fair value, with IFRS S1 and requiring entities to disclose how risks and opportunities influence measurements, ensuring greater alignment with long-term value drivers.

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