{"id":"F2015L01580","name":"AASB 121 - The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates - August 2015","slug":"aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":173125,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2015L01580-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AASB 121 - The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates - August 2015","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\ntitle: Compiled AASB 121 (Oct 2023)\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n| Compiled AASB Standard | AASB 121 |\n| --- | --- |\n\n\nThe Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates\n\n \n\nThis compiled Standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025 but before 1 January 2027.  Earlier application is permitted for annual periods beginning after 24 July 2014 but before 1 January 2025.  It incorporates relevant amendments made up to and including 9 October 2023.\n\nPrepared on 5 March 2025 by the staff of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.\n\nCompilation no. 4\n\nCompilation date:  31 December 2024\n\n![AASB logo with Australian crest and text identifying the Australian Government and the Australian Accounting Standards Board.](image.001.png)\n\nObtaining copies of Accounting Standards\n\nCompiled versions of Standards, original Standards and amending Standards (see Compilation Details) are available on the AASB website: aasb.gov.au and standards.aasb.gov.au.\n\nAustralian Accounting Standards Board\n\nPO Box 204\n\nCollins Street West\n\nVictoria   8007\n\nAUSTRALIA\n\nPhone: (03) 9617 7600\n\nE-mail: standard@aasb.gov.au\n\nWebsite: www.aasb.gov.au\n\nOther enquiries\n\nPhone: (03) 9617 7600\n\nE-mail: standard@aasb.gov.au\n\nCOPYRIGHT\n\n© Commonwealth of Australia 2025\n\nThis compiled AASB Standard contains IFRS Foundation copyright material.  Reproduction within Australia in unaltered form (retaining this notice) is permitted for personal and non-commercial use subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source.  Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights for commercial purposes within Australia should be addressed to The National Director, Australian Accounting Standards Board, PO Box 204, Collins Street West, Victoria 8007.\n\nAll existing rights in this material are reserved outside Australia.  Reproduction outside Australia in unaltered form (retaining this notice) is permitted for personal and non-commercial use only.  Further information and requests for authorisation to reproduce for commercial purposes outside Australia should be addressed to the IFRS Foundation at www.ifrs.org.\n\nContents\n\nCOMPARISON WITH IAS 21\n\nACCOUNTING STANDARD\n\nAASB 121 THE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES\n\nfrom paragraph\n\nObjective 1\n\nScope 3\n\nDefinitions 8\n\nElaboration on the definitions\n\nExchangeable 8A\n\nFunctional currency 9\n\nNet investment in a foreign operation 15\n\nMonetary items 16\n\nSummary of the approach required by this Standard 17\n\nESTIMATING THE SPOT EXCHANGE RATE WHEN A CURRENCY IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE 19a\n\nReporting foreign currency transactions in the functional currency\n\nInitial recognition 20\n\nReporting at the ends of subsequent reporting periods 23\n\nRecognition of exchange differences 27\n\nChange in functional currency 35\n\nUse of a presentation currency other than the functional currency\n\nTranslation to the presentation currency 38\n\nTranslation of a foreign operation 44\n\nDisposal or partial disposal of a foreign operation 48\n\nTax effects of all exchange differences 50\n\nDisclosure 51\n\nEffective date and transition 58\n\nWithdrawal of other pronouncements\n\nCommencement of the legislative instrument\n\nWithdrawal of AASB pronouncements Aus62.2\n\nAPPENDICES\n\nA  Application guidance\n\nB  Australian simplified disclosures for Tier 2 entities\n\nCOMPILATION DETAILS\n\nDeleted IAS 21 text\n\n \n\nAVailable on the AASB website\n\nIllustrative examples for IAS 21\n\nBasis for Conclusions on IAS 21\n\n \n\nAustralian Accounting Standard AASB 121 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates (as amended) is set out in paragraphs 1 – Aus62.2 and Appendices A and B.  All the paragraphs have equal authority.  Paragraphs in bold type state the main principles.  AASB 121 is to be read in the context of other Australian Accounting Standards, including AASB 1048 Interpretation of Standards, which identifies the Australian Accounting Interpretations, and AASB 1057 Application of Australian Accounting Standards.  In the absence of explicit guidance, AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors provides a basis for selecting and applying accounting policies.\n\nComparison with IAS 21\n\nAASB 121 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates as amended incorporates IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates as issued and amended by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).  Australian‑specific paragraphs (which are not included in IAS 21) are identified with the prefix “Aus”.  Paragraphs that apply only to not-for-profit entities begin by identifying their limited applicability.\n\nTier 1\n\nFor-profit entities complying with AASB 121 also comply with IAS 21.\n\nNot-for-profit entities’ compliance with IAS 21 will depend on whether any “Aus” paragraphs that specifically apply to not-for-profit entities provide additional guidance or contain applicable requirements that are inconsistent with IAS 21.\n\nTier 2\n\nEntities preparing general purpose financial statements under Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures (Tier 2) will not be in compliance with IFRS Standards.\n\nAASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards explains the two tiers of reporting requirements.\n\n \n\n# Accounting Standard AASB 121\n\nThe Australian Accounting Standards Board made Accounting Standard AASB 121 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates under section 334 of the Corporations Act 2001 on 7 August 2015.\n\nThis compiled version of AASB 121 applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025 but before 1 January 2027.  It incorporates relevant amendments contained in other AASB Standards made by the AASB up to and including 9 October 2023 (see Compilation Details).\n\nAccounting Standard AASB 121\n\nThe Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates\n\nObjective\n\n1 An entity may carry on foreign activities in two ways. It may have transactions in foreign currencies or it may have foreign operations. In addition, an entity may present its financial statements in a foreign currency. The objective of this Standard is to prescribe how to include foreign currency transactions and foreign operations in the financial statements of an entity and how to translate financial statements into a presentation currency.\n\nAusCF1 AusCF entities are:\n\n(a) not-for-profit entities; and\n\n(b) for-profit entities that are not applying the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting (as identified in AASB 1048 Interpretation of Standards).\n\nFor AusCF entities, the term ‘reporting entity’ is defined in AASB 1057 Application of Australian Accounting Standards and Statement of Accounting Concepts SAC 1 Definition of the Reporting Entity also applies.  For-profit entities applying the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting are set out in paragraph Aus1.1 of the Conceptual Framework.\n\n2 The principal issues are which exchange rate(s) to use and how to report the effects of changes in exchange rates in the financial statements.\n\nScope\n\n3 This Standard shall be applied:[[1]](#_ftn1)\n\n(a) in accounting for transactions and balances in foreign currencies, except for those derivative transactions and balances that are within the scope of AASB 9 Financial Instruments;\n\n(b) in translating the results and financial position of foreign operations that are included in the financial statements of the entity by consolidation or the equity method; and\n\n(c) in translating an entity’s results and financial position into a presentation currency.\n\n4 AASB 9 applies to many foreign currency derivatives and, accordingly, these are excluded from the scope of this Standard. However, those foreign currency derivatives that are not within the scope of AASB 9 (eg some foreign currency derivatives that are embedded in other contracts) are within the scope of this Standard. In addition, this Standard applies when an entity translates amounts relating to derivatives from its functional currency to its presentation currency.\n\n5 This Standard does not apply to hedge accounting for foreign currency items, including the hedging of a net investment in a foreign operation. AASB 9 applies to hedge accounting.\n\n6 This Standard applies to the presentation of an entity’s financial statements in a foreign currency and sets out requirements for the resulting financial statements to be described as complying with Australian Accounting Standards. For translations of financial information into a foreign currency that do not meet these requirements, this Standard specifies information to be disclosed.\n\n7 This Standard does not apply to the presentation in a statement of cash flows of the cash flows arising from transactions in a foreign currency, or to the translation of cash flows of a foreign operation (see AASB 107 Statement of Cash Flows).\n\nDefinitions\n\n8 The following terms are used in this Standard with the meanings specified:\n\nClosing rate is the spot exchange rate at the end of the reporting period.\n\nA currency is exchangeable into another currency when an entity is able to obtain the other currency within a time frame that allows for a normal administrative delay and through a market or exchange mechanism in which an exchange transaction would create enforceable rights and obligations.\n\nExchange difference is the difference resulting from translating a given number of units of one currency into another currency at different exchange rates.\n\nExchange rate is the ratio of exchange for two currencies.\n\nFair value is 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. (See AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement.)\n\nForeign currency is a currency other than the functional currency of the entity.\n\nForeign operation is an entity that is a subsidiary, associate, joint arrangement or branch of a reporting entity, the activities of which are based or conducted in a country or currency other than those of the reporting entity.\n\nFunctional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.\n\nA group is a parent and all its subsidiaries.\n\nMonetary items are units of currency held and assets and liabilities to be received or paid in a fixed or determinable number of units of currency.\n\nNet investment in a foreign operation is the amount of the reporting entity’s interest in the net assets of that operation.\n\nPresentation currency is the currency in which the financial statements are presented.\n\nSpot exchange rate is the exchange rate for immediate delivery.\n\nElaboration on the definitions\n\nExchangeable (paragraphs A2–A10)\n\n8A An entity assesses whether a currency is exchangeable into another currency:\n\n(a) at a measurement date; and\n\n(b) for a specified purpose.\n\n8B If an entity is able to obtain no more than an insignificant amount of the other currency at the measurement date for the specified purpose, the currency is not exchangeable into the other currency.\n\nFunctional currency\n\n9 The primary economic environment in which an entity operates is normally the one in which it primarily generates and expends cash. An entity considers the following factors in determining its functional currency:\n\n(a) the currency:\n\n(i) that mainly influences sales prices for goods and services (this will often be the currency in which sales prices for its goods and services are denominated and settled); and\n\n(ii) of the country whose competitive forces and regulations mainly determine the sales prices of its goods and services.\n\n(b) the currency that mainly influences labour, material and other costs of providing goods or services (this will often be the currency in which such costs are denominated and settled).\n\n10 The following factors may also provide evidence of an entity’s functional currency:\n\n(a) the currency in which funds from financing activities (ie issuing debt and equity instruments) are generated.\n\n(b) the currency in which receipts from operating activities are usually retained.\n\n11 The following additional factors are considered in determining the functional currency of a foreign operation, and whether its functional currency is the same as that of the reporting entity (the reporting entity, in this context, being the entity that has the foreign operation as its subsidiary, branch, associate or joint arrangement):\n\n(a) whether the activities of the foreign operation are carried out as an extension of the reporting entity, rather than being carried out with a significant degree of autonomy. An example of the former is when the foreign operation only sells goods imported from the reporting entity and remits the proceeds to it. An example of the latter is when the operation accumulates cash and other monetary items, incurs expenses, generates income and arranges borrowings, all substantially in its local currency.\n\n(b) whether transactions with the reporting entity are a high or a low proportion of the foreign operation’s activities.\n\n(c) whether cash flows from the activities of the foreign operation directly affect the cash flows of the reporting entity and are readily available for remittance to it.\n\n(d) whether cash flows from the activities of the foreign operation are sufficient to service existing and normally expected debt obligations without funds being made available by the reporting entity.\n\n12 When the above indicators are mixed and the functional currency is not obvious, management uses its judgement to determine the functional currency that most faithfully represents the economic effects of the underlying transactions, events and conditions. As part of this approach, management gives priority to the primary indicators in paragraph 9 before considering the indicators in paragraphs 10 and 11, which are designed to provide additional supporting evidence to determine an entity’s functional currency.\n\n13 An entity’s functional currency reflects the underlying transactions, events and conditions that are relevant to it. Accordingly, once determined, the functional currency is not changed unless there is a change in those underlying transactions, events and conditions.\n\n14 If the functional currency is the currency of a hyperinflationary economy, the entity’s financial statements are restated in accordance with AASB 129 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies. An entity cannot avoid restatement in accordance with AASB 129 by, for example, adopting as its functional currency a currency other than the functional currency determined in accordance with this Standard (such as the functional currency of its parent).\n\nNet investment in a foreign operation\n\n15 An entity may have a monetary item that is receivable from or payable to a foreign operation. An item for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future is, in substance, a part of the entity’s net investment in that foreign operation, and is accounted for in accordance with paragraphs 32 and 33. Such monetary items may include long-term receivables or loans. They do not include trade receivables or trade payables.\n\n15A The entity that has a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation described in paragraph 15 may be any subsidiary of the group. For example, an entity has two subsidiaries, A and B. Subsidiary B is a foreign operation. Subsidiary A grants a loan to Subsidiary B. Subsidiary A’s loan receivable from Subsidiary B would be part of the entity’s net investment in Subsidiary B if settlement of the loan is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future. This would also be true if Subsidiary A were itself a foreign operation.\n\nMonetary items\n\n16 The essential feature of a monetary item is a right to receive (or an obligation to deliver) a fixed or determinable number of units of currency. Examples include: pensions and other employee benefits to be paid in cash; provisions that are to be settled in cash; lease liabilities; and cash dividends that are recognised as a liability. Similarly, a contract to receive (or deliver) a variable number of the entity’s own equity instruments or a variable amount of assets in which the fair value to be received (or delivered) equals a fixed or determinable number of units of currency is a monetary item. Conversely, the essential feature of a non-monetary item is the absence of a right to receive (or an obligation to deliver) a fixed or determinable number of units of currency. Examples include: amounts prepaid for goods and services; goodwill; intangible assets; inventories; property, plant and equipment; right-of-use assets; and provisions that are to be settled by the delivery of a non-monetary asset.\n\nSummary of the approach required by this Standard\n\n17 In preparing financial statements, each entity—whether a stand-alone entity, an entity with foreign operations (such as a parent) or a foreign operation (such as a subsidiary or branch)—determines its functional currency in accordance with paragraphs 9–14. The entity translates foreign currency items into its functional currency and reports the effects of such translation in accordance with paragraphs 20–37 and 50.\n\n18 Many reporting entities comprise a number of individual entities (eg a group is made up of a parent and one or more subsidiaries). Various types of entities, whether members of a group or otherwise, may have investments in associates or joint arrangements. They may also have branches. It is necessary for the results and financial position of each individual entity included in the reporting entity to be translated into the currency in which the reporting entity presents its financial statements. This Standard permits the presentation currency of a reporting entity to be any currency (or currencies). The results and financial position of any individual entity within the reporting entity whose functional currency differs from the presentation currency are translated in accordance with paragraphs 38–50.\n\n19 This Standard also permits a stand-alone entity preparing financial statements or an entity preparing separate financial statements in accordance with AASB 127 Separate Financial Statements to present its financial statements in any currency (or currencies). If the entity’s presentation currency differs from its functional currency, its results and financial position are also translated into the presentation currency in accordance with paragraphs 38–50.\n\nEstimating the spot exchange rate when a currency is not exchangeable (paragraphs A11–A17)\n\n19A An entity shall estimate the spot exchange rate at a measurement date when a currency is not exchangeable into another currency (as described in paragraphs 8, 8A–8B and A2–A10) at that date. An entity’s objective in estimating the spot exchange rate is to reflect the rate at which an orderly exchange transaction would take place at the measurement date between market participants under prevailing economic conditions.\n\nReporting foreign currency transactions in the functional currency\n\nInitial recognition\n\n20 A foreign currency transaction is a transaction that is denominated or requires settlement in a foreign currency, including transactions arising when an entity:\n\n(a) buys or sells goods or services whose price is denominated in a foreign currency;\n\n(b) borrows or lends funds when the amounts payable or receivable are denominated in a foreign currency; or\n\n(c) otherwise acquires or disposes of assets, or incurs or settles liabilities, denominated in a foreign currency.\n\n21 A foreign currency transaction shall be recorded, on initial recognition in the functional currency, by applying to the foreign currency amount the spot exchange rate between the functional currency and the foreign currency at the date of the transaction.\n\n22 The date of a transaction is the date on which the transaction first qualifies for recognition in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. For practical reasons, a rate that approximates the actual rate at the date of the transaction is often used, for example, an average rate for a week or a month might be used for all transactions in each foreign currency occurring during that period. However, if exchange rates fluctuate significantly, the use of the average rate for a period is inappropriate.\n\nReporting at the ends of subsequent reporting periods\n\n23 At the end of each reporting period:\n\n(a) foreign currency monetary items shall be translated using the closing rate;\n\n(b) non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency shall be translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction; and\n\n(c) non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency shall be translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was measured.\n\n24 The carrying amount of an item is determined in conjunction with other relevant Standards. For example, property, plant and equipment may be measured in terms of fair value or historical cost in accordance with AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment. Whether the carrying amount is determined on the basis of historical cost or on the basis of fair value, if the amount is determined in a foreign currency it is then translated into the functional currency in accordance with this Standard.\n\n25 The carrying amount of some items is determined by comparing two or more amounts. For example, the carrying amount of inventories is the lower of cost and net realisable value in accordance with AASB 102 Inventories. Similarly, in accordance with AASB 136 Impairment of Assets, the carrying amount of an asset for which there is an indication of impairment is the lower of its carrying amount before considering possible impairment losses and its recoverable amount. When such an asset is non-monetary and is measured in a foreign currency, the carrying amount is determined by comparing:\n\n(a) the cost or carrying amount, as appropriate, translated at the exchange rate at the date when that amount was determined (ie the rate at the date of the transaction for an item measured in terms of historical cost); and\n\n(b) the net realisable value or recoverable amount, as appropriate, translated at the exchange rate at the date when that value was determined (eg the closing rate at the end of the reporting period).\n\nThe effect of this comparison may be that an impairment loss is recognised in the functional currency but would not be recognised in the foreign currency, or vice versa.\n\n26 When several exchange rates are available, the rate used is that at which the future cash flows represented by the transaction or balance could have been settled if those cash flows had occurred at the measurement date.\n\nRecognition of exchange differences\n\n27 As noted in paragraphs 3(a) and 5, AASB 9 applies to hedge accounting for foreign currency items. The application of hedge accounting requires an entity to account for some exchange differences differently from the treatment of exchange differences required by this Standard. For example, AASB 9 requires that exchange differences on monetary items that qualify as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge are recognised initially in other comprehensive income to the extent that the hedge is effective.\n\n28 Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were translated on initial recognition during the period or in previous financial statements shall be recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise, except as described in paragraph 32.\n\n29 When monetary items arise from a foreign currency transaction and there is a change in the exchange rate between the transaction date and the date of settlement, an exchange difference results. When the transaction is settled within the same accounting period as that in which it occurred, all the exchange difference is recognised in that period. However, when the transaction is settled in a subsequent accounting period, the exchange difference recognised in each period up to the date of settlement is determined by the change in exchange rates during each period.\n\n30 When a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognised in other comprehensive income, any exchange component of that gain or loss shall be recognised in other comprehensive income. Conversely, when a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognised in profit or loss, any exchange component of that gain or loss shall be recognised in profit or loss.\n\n31 Other Australian Accounting Standards require some gains and losses to be recognised in other comprehensive income. For example, AASB 116 requires some gains and losses arising on a revaluation of property, plant and equipment to be recognised in other comprehensive income. When such an asset is measured in a foreign currency, paragraph 23(c) of this Standard requires the revalued amount to be translated using the rate at the date the value is determined, resulting in an exchange difference that is also recognised in other comprehensive income.\n\n32 Exchange differences arising on a monetary item that forms part of a reporting entity’s net investment in a foreign operation (see paragraph 15) shall be recognised in profit or loss in the separate financial statements of the reporting entity or the individual financial statements of the foreign operation, as appropriate. In the financial statements that include the foreign operation and the reporting entity (eg consolidated financial statements when the foreign operation is a subsidiary), such exchange differences shall be recognised initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal of the net investment in accordance with paragraph 48.\n\n33 When a monetary item forms part of a reporting entity’s net investment in a foreign operation and is denominated in the functional currency of the reporting entity, an exchange difference arises in the foreign operation’s individual financial statements in accordance with paragraph 28. If such an item is denominated in the functional currency of the foreign operation, an exchange difference arises in the reporting entity’s separate financial statements in accordance with paragraph 28. If such an item is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of either the reporting entity or the foreign operation, an exchange difference arises in the reporting entity’s separate financial statements and in the foreign operation’s individual financial statements in accordance with paragraph 28. Such exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income in the financial statements that include the foreign operation and the reporting entity (ie financial statements in which the foreign operation is consolidated or accounted for using the equity method).\n\n34 When an entity keeps its books and records in a currency other than its functional currency, at the time the entity prepares its financial statements all amounts are translated into the functional currency in accordance with paragraphs 20–26. This produces the same amounts in the functional currency as would have occurred had the items been recorded initially in the functional currency. For example, monetary items are translated into the functional currency using the closing rate, and non-monetary items that are measured on a historical cost basis are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction that resulted in their recognition.\n\nChange in functional currency\n\n35 When there is a change in an entity’s functional currency, the entity shall apply the translation procedures applicable to the new functional currency prospectively from the date of the change.\n\n36 As noted in paragraph 13, the functional currency of an entity reflects the underlying transactions, events and conditions that are relevant to the entity. Accordingly, once the functional currency is determined, it can be changed only if there is a change to those underlying transactions, events and conditions. For example, a change in the currency that mainly influences the sales prices of goods and services may lead to a change in an entity’s functional currency.\n\n37 The effect of a change in functional currency is accounted for prospectively. In other words, an entity translates all items into the new functional currency using the exchange rate at the date of the change. The resulting translated amounts for non-monetary items are treated as their historical cost. Exchange differences arising from the translation of a foreign operation previously recognised in other comprehensive income in accordance with paragraphs 32 and 39(c) are not reclassified from equity to profit or loss until the disposal of the operation.\n\nUse of a presentation currency other than the functional currency\n\nTranslation to the presentation currency\n\n38 An entity may present its financial statements in any currency (or currencies). If the presentation currency differs from the entity’s functional currency, it translates its results and financial position into the presentation currency. For example, when a group contains individual entities with different functional currencies, the results and financial position of each entity are expressed in a common currency so that consolidated financial statements may be presented.\n\n39 The results and financial position of an entity whose functional currency is not the currency of a hyperinflationary economy shall be translated into a different presentation currency using the following procedures:\n\n(a) assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented (ie including comparatives) shall be translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position;\n\n(b) income and expenses for each statement presenting profit or loss and other comprehensive income (ie including comparatives) shall be translated at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions; and\n\n(c) all resulting exchange differences shall be recognised in other comprehensive income.\n\n40 For practical reasons, a rate that approximates the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions, for example an average rate for the period, is often used to translate income and expense items. However, if exchange rates fluctuate significantly, the use of the average rate for a period is inappropriate.\n\n41 The exchange differences referred to in paragraph 39(c) result from:\n\n(a) translating income and expenses at the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions and assets and liabilities at the closing rate.\n\n(b) translating the opening net assets at a closing rate that differs from the previous closing rate.\n\nThese exchange differences are not recognised in profit or loss because the changes in exchange rates have little or no direct effect on the present and future cash flows from operations. The cumulative amount of the exchange differences is presented in a separate component of equity until disposal of the foreign operation. When the exchange differences relate to a foreign operation that is consolidated but not wholly-owned, accumulated exchange differences arising from translation and attributable to non-controlling interests are allocated to, and recognised as part of, non-controlling interests in the consolidated statement of financial position.\n\n42 The results and financial position of an entity whose functional currency is the currency of a hyperinflationary economy shall be translated into a different presentation currency using the following procedures:\n\n(a) all amounts (ie assets, liabilities, equity items, income and expenses, including comparatives) shall be translated at the closing rate at the date of the most recent statement of financial position, except that\n\n(b) when amounts are translated into the currency of a non-hyperinflationary economy, comparative amounts shall be those that were presented as current year amounts in the relevant prior year financial statements (ie not adjusted for subsequent changes in the price level or subsequent changes in exchange rates).\n\n43 When an entity’s functional currency is the currency of a hyperinflationary economy, the entity shall restate its financial statements in accordance with AASB 129 before applying the translation method set out in paragraph 42, except for comparative amounts that are translated into a currency of a non-hyperinflationary economy (see paragraph 42(b)). When the economy ceases to be hyperinflationary and the entity no longer restates its financial statements in accordance with AASB 129, it shall use as the historical costs for translation into the presentation currency the amounts restated to the price level at the date the entity ceased restating its financial statements.\n\nTranslation of a foreign operation\n\n44 Paragraphs 45–47, in addition to paragraphs 38–43, apply when the results and financial position of a foreign operation are translated into a presentation currency so that the foreign operation can be included in the financial statements of the reporting entity by consolidation or the equity method.\n\n45 The incorporation of the results and financial position of a foreign operation with those of the reporting entity follows normal consolidation procedures, such as the elimination of intragroup balances and intragroup transactions of a subsidiary (see AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements). However, an intragroup monetary asset (or liability), whether short-term or long-term, cannot be eliminated against the corresponding intragroup liability (or asset) without showing the results of currency fluctuations in the consolidated financial statements. This is because the monetary item represents a commitment to convert one currency into another and exposes the reporting entity to a gain or loss through currency fluctuations. Accordingly, in the consolidated financial statements of the reporting entity, such an exchange difference is recognised in profit or loss or, if it arises from the circumstances described in paragraph 32, it is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate component of equity until the disposal of the foreign operation.\n\n46 When the financial statements of a foreign operation are as of a date different from that of the reporting entity, the foreign operation often prepares additional statements as of the same date as the reporting entity’s financial statements. When this is not done, AASB 10 allows the use of a different date provided that the difference is no greater than three months and adjustments are made for the effects of any significant transactions or other events that occur between the different dates. In such a case, the assets and liabilities of the foreign operation are translated at the exchange rate at the end of the reporting period of the foreign operation. Adjustments are made for significant changes in exchange rates up to the end of the reporting period of the reporting entity in accordance with AASB 10. The same approach is used in applying the equity method to associates and joint ventures in accordance with AASB 128.\n\n47 Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation and any fair value adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities arising on the acquisition of that foreign operation shall be treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation. Thus they shall be expressed in the functional currency of the foreign operation and shall be translated at the closing rate in accordance with paragraphs 39 and 42.\n\nDisposal or partial disposal of a foreign operation\n\n48 On the disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative amount of the exchange differences relating to that foreign operation, recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the separate component of equity, shall be reclassified from equity to profit or loss (as a reclassification adjustment) when the gain or loss on disposal is recognised (see AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements).\n\n48A In addition to the disposal of an entity’s entire interest in a foreign operation, the following partial disposals are accounted for as disposals:\n\n(a) when the partial disposal involves the loss of control of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, regardless of whether the entity retains a non-controlling interest in its former subsidiary after the partial disposal; and\n\n(b) when the retained interest after the partial disposal of an interest in a joint arrangement or a partial disposal of an interest in an associate that includes a foreign operation is a financial asset that includes a foreign operation.\n\n48B On disposal of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, the cumulative amount of the exchange differences relating to that foreign operation that have been attributed to the non-controlling interests shall be derecognised, but shall not be reclassified to profit or loss.\n\n48C On the partial disposal of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, the entity shall re-attribute the proportionate share of the cumulative amount of the exchange differences recognised in other comprehensive income to the non-controlling interests in that foreign operation. In any other partial disposal of a foreign operation the entity shall reclassify to profit or loss only the proportionate share of the cumulative amount of the exchange differences recognised in other comprehensive income.\n\n48D A partial disposal of an entity’s interest in a foreign operation is any reduction in an entity’s ownership interest in a foreign operation, except those reductions in paragraph 48A that are accounted for as disposals.\n\n49 An entity may dispose or partially dispose of its interest in a foreign operation through sale, liquidation, repayment of share capital or abandonment of all, or part of, that entity. A write-down of the carrying amount of a foreign operation, either because of its own losses or because of an impairment recognised by the investor, does not constitute a partial disposal. Accordingly, no part of the foreign exchange gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss at the time of a write-down.\n\nTax effects of all exchange differences\n\n50 Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and exchange differences arising on translating the results and financial position of an entity (including a foreign operation) into a different currency may have tax effects. AASB 112 Income Taxes applies to these tax effects.\n\nDisclosure\n\n51 In paragraphs 53 and 55–57 references to ‘functional currency’ apply, in the case of a group, to the functional currency of the parent.\n\n52 An entity shall disclose:\n\n(a) the amount of exchange differences recognised in profit or loss except for those arising on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with AASB 9; and\n\n(b) net exchange differences recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate component of equity, and a reconciliation of the amount of such exchange differences at the beginning and end of the period.\n\n53 When the presentation currency is different from the functional currency, that fact shall be stated, together with disclosure of the functional currency and the reason for using a different presentation currency.\n\n54 When there is a change in the functional currency of either the reporting entity or a significant foreign operation, that fact and the reason for the change in functional currency shall be disclosed.\n\n55 When an entity presents its financial statements in a currency that is different from its functional currency, it shall describe the financial statements as complying with Australian Accounting Standards only if they comply with all the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards including the translation method set out in paragraphs 39 and 42.\n\n56 An entity sometimes presents its financial statements or other financial information in a currency that is not its functional currency without meeting the requirements of paragraph 55. For example, an entity may convert into another currency only selected items from its financial statements. Or, an entity whose functional currency is not the currency of a hyperinflationary economy may convert the financial statements into another currency by translating all items at the most recent closing rate. Such conversions are not in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the disclosures set out in paragraph 57 are required.\n\n57 When an entity displays its financial statements or other financial information in a currency that is different from either its functional currency or its presentation currency and the requirements of paragraph 55 are not met, it shall:\n\n(a) clearly identify the information as supplementary information to distinguish it from the information that complies with Australian Accounting Standards;\n\n(b) disclose the currency in which the supplementary information is displayed; and\n\n(c) disclose the entity’s functional currency and the method of translation used to determine the supplementary information.\n\n57A When an entity estimates a spot exchange rate because a currency is not exchangeable into another currency (see paragraph 19A), the entity shall disclose information that enables users of its financial statements to understand how the currency not being exchangeable into the other currency affects, or is expected to affect, the entity’s financial performance, financial position and cash flows. To achieve this objective, an entity shall disclose information about:\n\n(a) the nature and financial effects of the currency not being exchangeable into the other currency;\n\n(b) the spot exchange rate(s) used;\n\n(c) the estimation process; and\n\n(d) the risks to which the entity is exposed because of the currency not being exchangeable into the other currency.\n\n57B Paragraphs A18–A20 specify how an entity applies paragraph 57A.\n\nEffective date and transition\n\n58 An entity shall apply this Standard for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. Earlier application is encouraged for periods beginning after 24 July 2014 but before 1 January 2018. If an entity applies this Standard for a period beginning before 1 January 2018, it shall disclose that fact.\n\n58A–  60A [Deleted by the AASB]\n\n60B AASB 2008-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 3 and AASB 127 amended the previous version of this Standard as follows: added paragraphs 48A–48D and amended paragraph 49. An entity shall apply those amendments prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. If an entity applies AASB 127 (amended 2008) for an earlier period, the amendments shall be applied for that earlier period.\n\n60C [Deleted]\n\n60D [Deleted by the AASB]\n\n60E [Deleted]\n\n60F–  60H [Deleted by the AASB]\n\n60I [Deleted]\n\n60J AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010) (as amended) and AASB 2014-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards amended the previous version of this Standard as follows: amended paragraphs 3(a), 3(b), 4, 5, 27 and 52(a) and deleted paragraph 60C. Paragraph 60E, added by AASB 2010-7, was deleted by AASB 2014-1. Paragraph 60I, added by AASB 2014‑1, was deleted by AASB 2014-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2014). An entity shall apply those amendments when it applies AASB 9.\n\n60K AASB 16 Leases, issued in February 2016, amended paragraph 16. An entity shall apply that amendment when it applies AASB 16.\n\n60L AASB 2023-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Lack of Exchangeability, issued in October 2023, amended paragraphs 8 and 26, added paragraphs 8A–8B, 19A, 57A–57B and Appendix A, relabelled the original Appendix A as Appendix B and amended it. An entity shall apply those amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025. Earlier application is permitted. If an entity applies the amendments for an earlier period, it shall disclose that fact. The date of initial application is the beginning of the annual reporting period in which an entity first applies those amendments.\n\n60M In applying AASB 2023-5, an entity shall not restate comparative information. Instead:\n\n(a) when the entity reports foreign currency transactions in its functional currency, and, at the date of initial application, concludes that its functional currency is not exchangeable into the foreign currency or, if applicable, concludes that the foreign currency is not exchangeable into its functional currency, the entity shall, at the date of initial application:\n\n(i) translate affected foreign currency monetary items, and non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency, using the estimated spot exchange rate at that date; and\n\n(ii) recognise any effect of initially applying the amendments as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.\n\n(b) when the entity uses a presentation currency other than its functional currency, or translates the results and financial position of a foreign operation, and, at the date of initial application, concludes that its functional currency (or the foreign operation’s functional currency) is not exchangeable into its presentation currency or, if applicable, concludes that its presentation currency is not exchangeable into its functional currency (or the foreign operation’s functional currency), the entity shall, at the date of initial application:\n\n(i) translate affected assets and liabilities using the estimated spot exchange rate at that date;\n\n(ii) translate affected equity items using the estimated spot exchange rate at that date if the entity’s functional currency is hyperinflationary; and\n\n(iii) recognise any effect of initially applying the amendments as an adjustment to the cumulative amount of translation differences – accumulated in a separate component of equity.\n\nWithdrawal of other pronouncements\n\n61–  62 [Deleted by the AASB]\n\nCommencement of the legislative instrument\n\nAus62.1 [Repealed]\n\nWithdrawal of AASB pronouncements\n\nAus62.2 This Standard repeals AASB 121 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates issued in July 2004. Despite the repeal, after the time this Standard starts to apply under section 334 of the Corporations Act (either generally or in relation to an individual entity), the repealed Standard continues to apply in relation to any period ending before that time as if the repeal had not occurred.\n\n[Note: When this Standard applies under section 334 of the Corporations Act (either generally or in relation to an individual entity), it supersedes the application of the repealed Standard.]\n\n \n\nAppendix A  Application guidance\n\nThis appendix is an integral part of the Standard.\n\nExchangeability\n\nA1 The purpose of the following diagram is to help entities assess whether a currency is exchangeable and estimate the spot exchange rate when a currency is not exchangeable.\n\n![Diagram to help entities assess whether a currency is exchangeable and estimate the spot exchange rate when a currency is not exchangeable.](image.002.png)\n\nStep I:  Assessing whether a currency is exchangeable (paragraphs 8 and 8A–8B)\n\nA2 Paragraphs A3–A10 set out application guidance to help an entity assess whether a currency is exchangeable into another currency. An entity might determine that a currency is not exchangeable into another currency, even though that other currency might be exchangeable in the other direction. For example, an entity might determine that currency PC is not exchangeable into currency LC, even though currency LC is exchangeable into currency PC.\n\nTime frame\n\nA3 Paragraph 8 defines a spot exchange rate as the exchange rate for immediate delivery. However, an exchange transaction might not always complete instantaneously because of legal or regulatory requirements, or for practical reasons such as public holidays. A normal administrative delay in obtaining the other currency does not preclude a currency from being exchangeable into that other currency. What constitutes a normal administrative delay depends on facts and circumstances.\n\nAbility to obtain the other currency\n\nA4 In assessing whether a currency is exchangeable into another currency, an entity shall consider its ability to obtain the other currency, rather than its intention or decision to do so. Subject to the other requirements in paragraphs A2–A10, a currency is exchangeable into another currency if an entity is able to obtain the other currency – either directly or indirectly – even if it intends or decides not to do so. For example, subject to the other requirements in paragraphs A2–A10, regardless of whether the entity intends or decides to obtain PC, currency LC is exchangeable into currency PC if an entity is able to either exchange LC for PC, or exchange LC for another currency (FC) and then exchange FC for PC.\n\nMarkets or exchange mechanisms\n\nA5 In assessing whether a currency is exchangeable into another currency, an entity shall consider only markets or exchange mechanisms in which a transaction to exchange the currency for the other currency would create enforceable rights and obligations. Enforceability is a matter of law. Whether an exchange transaction in a market or exchange mechanism would create enforceable rights and obligations depends on facts and circumstances.\n\nPurpose of obtaining the other currency\n\nA6 Different exchange rates might be available for different uses of a currency. For example, a jurisdiction facing pressure on its balance of payments might wish to deter capital remittances (such as dividend payments) to other jurisdictions but encourage imports of specific goods from those jurisdictions. In such circumstances, the relevant authorities might:\n\n(a) set a preferential exchange rate for imports of those goods and a ‘penalty’ exchange rate for capital remittances to other jurisdictions, thus resulting in different exchange rates applying to different exchange transactions; or\n\n(b) make the other currency available only to pay for imports of those goods and not for capital remittances to other jurisdictions.\n\nA7 Accordingly, whether a currency is exchangeable into another currency could depend on the purpose for which the entity obtains (or hypothetically might need to obtain) the other currency. In assessing exchangeability:\n\n(a) when an entity reports foreign currency transactions in its functional currency (see paragraphs 20–37), the entity shall assume its purpose in obtaining the other currency is to realise or settle individual foreign currency transactions, assets or liabilities.\n\n(b) when an entity uses a presentation currency other than its functional currency (see paragraphs 38–43), the entity shall assume its purpose in obtaining the other currency is to realise or settle its net assets or net liabilities.\n\n(c) when an entity translates the results and financial position of a foreign operation into the presentation currency (see paragraphs 44–47), the entity shall assume its purpose in obtaining the other currency is to realise or settle its net investment in the foreign operation.\n\nA8 An entity’s net assets or net investment in a foreign operation might be realised by, for example:\n\n(a) the distribution of a financial return to the entity’s owners;\n\n(b) the receipt of a financial return from the entity’s foreign operation; or\n\n(c) the recovery of the investment by the entity or the entity’s owners, such as through disposal of the investment.\n\nA9 An entity shall assess whether a currency is exchangeable into another currency separately for each purpose specified in paragraph A7. For example, an entity shall assess exchangeability for the purpose of reporting foreign currency transactions in its functional currency (see paragraph A7(a)) separately from exchangeability for the purpose of translating the results and financial position of a foreign operation (see paragraph A7(c)).\n\nAbility to obtain only limited amounts of the other currency\n\nA10 A currency is not exchangeable into another currency if, for a purpose specified in paragraph A7, an entity is able to obtain no more than an insignificant amount of the other currency. An entity shall assess the significance of the amount of the other currency it is able to obtain for a specified purpose by comparing that amount with the total amount of the other currency required for that purpose. For example, an entity with a functional currency of LC has liabilities denominated in currency FC. The entity assesses whether the total amount of FC it can obtain for the purpose of settling those liabilities is no more than an insignificant amount compared with the aggregated amount (the sum) of its liability balances denominated in FC.\n\nStep II:  Estimating the spot exchange rate when a currency is not exchangeable (paragraph 19A)\n\nA11 This Standard does not specify how an entity estimates the spot exchange rate to meet the objective in paragraph 19A. An entity can use an observable exchange rate without adjustment (see paragraphs A12–A16) or another estimation technique (see paragraph A17).\n\nUsing an observable exchange rate without adjustment\n\nA12 In estimating the spot exchange rate as required by paragraph 19A, an entity may use an observable exchange rate without adjustment if that observable exchange rate meets the objective in paragraph 19A. Examples of an observable exchange rate include:\n\n(a) a spot exchange rate for a purpose other than that for which an entity assesses exchangeability (see paragraphs A13–A14); and\n\n(b) the first exchange rate at which an entity is able to obtain the other currency for the specified purpose after exchangeability of the currency is restored (first subsequent exchange rate) (see paragraphs A15–A16).\n\nUsing an observable exchange rate for another purpose\n\nA13 A currency that is not exchangeable into another currency for one purpose might be exchangeable into that currency for another purpose. For example, an entity might be able to obtain a currency to import specific goods but not to pay dividends. In such situations, the entity might conclude that an observable exchange rate for another purpose meets the objective in paragraph 19A. If the rate meets the objective in paragraph 19A, an entity may use that rate as the estimated spot exchange rate.\n\nA14 In assessing whether such an observable exchange rate meets the objective in paragraph 19A, an entity shall consider, among other factors:\n\n(a) whether several observable exchange rates exist – the existence of more than one observable exchange rate might indicate that exchange rates are set to encourage, or deter, entities from obtaining the other currency for particular purposes. These observable exchange rates might include an ‘incentive’ or ‘penalty’ and therefore might not reflect the prevailing economic conditions.\n\n(b) the purpose for which the currency is exchangeable – if an entity is able to obtain the other currency only for limited purposes (such as to import emergency supplies), the observable exchange rate might not reflect the prevailing economic conditions.\n\n(c) the nature of the exchange rate – a free-floating observable exchange rate is more likely to reflect the prevailing economic conditions than an exchange rate set through regular interventions by the relevant authorities.\n\n(d) the frequency with which exchange rates are updated – an observable exchange rate unchanged over time is less likely to reflect the prevailing economic conditions than an observable exchange rate that is updated on a daily basis (or even more frequently).\n\nUsing the first subsequent exchange rate\n\nA15 A currency that is not exchangeable into another currency at the measurement date for a specified purpose might subsequently become exchangeable into that currency for that purpose. In such situations, an entity might conclude that the first subsequent exchange rate meets the objective in paragraph 19A. If the rate meets the objective in paragraph 19A, an entity may use that rate as the estimated spot exchange rate.\n\nA16 In assessing whether the first subsequent exchange rate meets the objective in paragraph 19A, an entity shall consider, among other factors:\n\n(a) the time between the measurement date and the date at which exchangeability is restored – the shorter this period, the more likely the first subsequent exchange rate will reflect the prevailing economic conditions.\n\n(b) inflation rates – when an economy is subject to high inflation, including when an economy is hyperinflationary (as specified in AASB 129 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies), prices often change quickly, perhaps several times a day. Accordingly, the first subsequent exchange rate for a currency of such an economy might not reflect the prevailing economic conditions.\n\nUsing another estimation technique\n\nA17 An entity using another estimation technique may use any observable exchange rate – including rates from exchange transactions in markets or exchange mechanisms that do not create enforceable rights and obligations – and adjust that rate, as necessary, to meet the objective in paragraph 19A.\n\nDisclosure when a currency is not exchangeable\n\nA18 An entity shall consider how much detail is necessary to satisfy the disclosure objective in paragraph 57A. An entity shall disclose the information specified in paragraphs A19–A20 and any additional information necessary to meet the disclosure objective in paragraph 57A.\n\nA19 In applying paragraph 57A, an entity shall disclose:\n\n(a) the currency and a description of the restrictions that result in that currency not being exchangeable into the other currency;\n\n(b) a description of affected transactions;\n\n(c) the carrying amount of affected assets and liabilities;\n\n(d) the spot exchange rates used and whether those rates are:\n\n(i) observable exchange rates without adjustment (see paragraphs A12–A16); or\n\n(ii) spot exchange rates estimated using another estimation technique (see paragraph A17);\n\n(e) a description of any estimation technique the entity has used, and qualitative and quantitative information about the inputs and assumptions used in that estimation technique; and\n\n(f) qualitative information about each type of risk to which the entity is exposed because the currency is not exchangeable into the other currency, and the nature and carrying amount of assets and liabilities exposed to each type of risk.\n\nA20 When a foreign operation’s functional currency is not exchangeable into the presentation currency or, if applicable, the presentation currency is not exchangeable into a foreign operation’s functional currency, an entity shall also disclose:\n\n(a) the name of the foreign operation; whether the foreign operation is a subsidiary, joint operation, joint venture, associate or branch; and its principal place of business;\n\n(b) summarised financial information about the foreign operation; and\n\n(c) the nature and terms of any contractual arrangements that could require the entity to provide financial support to the foreign operation, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss.\n\n \n\nAppendix B  Australian simplified disclosures for Tier 2 entities\n\nThis appendix is an integral part of the Standard.\n\nAusB1 Paragraphs 51–57B do not apply to entities preparing general purpose financial statements that apply AASB 1060 General Purpose Financial Statements – Simplified Disclosures for For-Profit and Not-for-Profit Tier 2 Entities.\n\n \n\nCompilation details  Accounting Standard AASB 121 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates (as amended)\n\nCompilation details are not part of AASB 121.\n\nThis compiled Standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025 but before 1 January 2027.  It takes into account amendments up to and including 9 October 2023 and was prepared on 5 March 2025 by the staff of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB).\n\nThis compilation is not a separate Accounting Standard made by the AASB.  Instead, it is a representation of AASB 121 (August 2015) as amended by other Accounting Standards, which are listed in the table below.\n\nTable of Standards\n\n| Standard | Date made | FRL identifier | Commence-ment date | Effective date  (annual periods   … on or after …) | Application, saving or transitional provisions |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| AASB 121 | 7 Aug 2015 | F2015L01580 | 31 Dec 2017 | (beginning) 1 Jan 2018 | see (a) below |\n| AASB 16 | 23 Feb 2016 | F2016L00233 | 31 Dec 2018 | (beginning) 1 Jan 2019 | see (b) below |\n| AASB 2019-1 | 21 May 2019 | F2019L00966 | 31 Dec 2019 | (beginning) 1 Jan 2020 | see (c) below |\n| AASB 1060 | 6 Mar 2020 | F2020L00288 | 30 Jun 2021 | (beginning) 1 Jul 2021 | see (d) below |\n| AASB 2023-5 | 9 Oct 2023 | F2023L01377 | 31 Dec 2024 | (beginning) 1 Jan 2025 | see (e) below |\n| AASB 18 | 7 Jun 2024 | F2024L00708 | 31 Dec 2026 | FP (beginning) 1 Jan 2027<br>NFP & superannuation entities (beginning) 1 Jan 2028 | not compiled* |\n\n\n* The amendments made by this Standard are not included in this compilation, which presents the principal Standard as applicable to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025 but before 1 January 2027.\n\n1.            Entities may elect to apply this Standard to periods beginning after 24 July 2014 but before 1 January 2018.\n2.            Entities may elect to apply this Standard to annual periods beginning before 1 January 2019, provided that AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is also applied to the same period.\n3.            Entities may elect to apply this Standard to annual periods beginning before 1 January 2020.\n4.            Entities may elect to apply this Standard to annual periods beginning before 1 July 2021.\n5.            Entities may elect to apply this Standard to annual periods beginning before 1 January 2025.\n\n\nTable of amendments\n\n| Paragraph affected | How affected | By … [paragraph/page] |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| AusCF1 | added | AASB 2019-1 [page 20] |\n| 8 | amended | AASB 2023-5 [page 6] |\n| 8A-8B (and heading) | added | AASB 2023-5 [page 7] |\n| 16 | amended | AASB 16 [page 51] |\n| 19A (and heading) | added | AASB 2023-5 [page 7] |\n| 26 | amended | AASB 2023-5 [page 7] |\n| 57A-57B | added | AASB 2023-5 [page 7] |\n| 60K | added | AASB 16 [page 51] |\n| 60L-60M | added | AASB 2023-5 [page 7] |\n| Aus62.1 | repealed | Legislation Act 2003, s. 48D |\n| Appendix A | replaced<br>relabelled as Appendix B<br>added | AASB 1060 [page 63]<br>AASB 2023-5 [page 12]<br>AASB 2023-5 [page 8] |\n| Appendix B | amended | AASB 2023-5 [page 12] |\n\n\n \n\nDeleted IAS 21 text\n\nDeleted IAS 21 text is not part of AASB 121.\n\n58A Net Investment in a Foreign Operation (Amendment to IAS 21), issued in December 2005, added paragraph 15A and amended paragraph 33. An entity shall apply those amendments for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006. Earlier application is encouraged.\n\n59 An entity shall apply paragraph 47 prospectively to all acquisitions occurring after the beginning of the financial reporting period in which this Standard is first applied. Retrospective application of paragraph 47 to earlier acquisitions is permitted. For an acquisition of a foreign operation treated prospectively but which occurred before the date on which this Standard is first applied, the entity shall not restate prior years and accordingly may, when appropriate, treat goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on that acquisition as assets and liabilities of the entity rather than as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation. Therefore, those goodwill and fair value adjustments either are already expressed in the entity’s functional currency or are non-monetary foreign currency items, which are reported using the exchange rate at the date of the acquisition.\n\n60 All other changes resulting from the application of this Standard shall be accounted for in accordance with the requirements of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors.\n\n60A IAS 1 (as revised in 2007) amended the terminology used throughout IFRSs. In addition it amended paragraphs 27, 30–33, 37, 39, 41, 45, 48 and 52. An entity shall apply those amendments for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009. If an entity applies IAS 1 (revised 2007) for an earlier period, the amendments shall be applied for that earlier period.\n\n60D Paragraph 60B was amended by Improvements to IFRSs issued in May 2010. An entity shall apply that amendment for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010. Earlier application is permitted.\n\n60F IFRS 10 and IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, issued in May 2011, amended paragraphs 3(b), 8, 11, 18, 19, 33, 44–46 and 48A. An entity shall apply those amendments when it applies IFRS 10 and IFRS 11.\n\n60G IFRS 13, issued in May 2011, amended the definition of fair value in paragraph 8 and amended paragraph 23. An entity shall apply those amendments when it applies IFRS 13.\n\n60H Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income (Amendments to IAS 1), issued in June 2011, amended paragraph 39. An entity shall apply that amendment when it applies IAS 1 as amended in June 2011.\n\n61 This Standard supersedes IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates (revised in 1993).\n\n62 This Standard supersedes the following Interpretations:\n\n(a) SIC-11 Foreign Exchange—Capitalisation of Losses Resulting from Severe Currency Devaluations;\n\n(b) SIC-19 Reporting Currency—Measurement and Presentation of Financial Statements under IAS 21 and IAS 29; and\n\n(c) SIC-30 Reporting Currency—Translation from Measurement Currency to Presentation Currency.\n\n \n\n---\n\n\n[[1]](#_ftnref1) See also Interpretation 107 Introduction of the Euro, as identified in AASB 1048 Interpretation of Standards.\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original 2004 standard focused primarily on foreign currency transactions and translation of foreign operations. The 2023 amendments (AASB 2023-5) significantly expanded the scope by adding comprehensive guidance for situations where currencies are not exchangeable due to lack of market liquidity or government restrictions. This includes new definitions (exchangeable, purpose-specific assessment), new estimation requirements for spot rates when exchangeability is lacking, and extensive new disclosure obligations (paragraphs 57A-57B and Appendix A). The standard has evolved from a pure translation standard to one that also addresses currency market dysfunction and estimation uncertainty."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple layers of application: functional currency determination, foreign currency transaction accounting, translation to presentation currency, and foreign operation consolidation","Extensive cross-referencing to other standards including AASB 9 (financial instruments), AASB 10 (consolidation), AASB 129 (hyperinflation), and AASB 112 (taxes)","Complex functional currency determination criteria with primary and secondary indicators requiring management judgment (paragraphs 9-12)","Nested exceptions for exchange difference recognition: general rule (profit/loss) vs net investment in foreign operation (other comprehensive income) vs hedge accounting (AASB 9)","Detailed application guidance (Appendix A) for assessing currency exchangeability with multi-step decision tree and estimation techniques","Specific transition provisions for amendments regarding lack of exchangeability (paragraphs 60L-60M) with retrospective application restrictions","Tier 2 disclosure exemptions creating differential reporting requirements (Appendix B)","Multiple defined terms (12 explicit definitions in paragraph 8 plus elaborations in paragraphs 8A-16)"],"plain_english_summary":"This standard (AASB 121) sets the rules for how Australian companies and organisations handle money in foreign currencies when preparing their financial statements. It covers three main situations: when a business makes transactions in foreign currencies (like buying goods from overseas), when a business has overseas subsidiaries or operations, and when a business chooses to present its financial statements in a currency different from its main operating currency.\n\n**Key things this standard does:**\n\n*   **Defines 'functional currency'**: This is the main currency of the economic environment where a business operates (usually the currency it uses for sales and costs). Every entity must determine its functional currency first.\n*   **Sets exchange rates for transactions**: When a business buys or sells in a foreign currency, it must record the transaction using the exchange rate on the date the transaction happened. At the end of each reporting period, any foreign money still owed or owing must be revalued using the current exchange rate.\n*   **Handles exchange rate gains and losses**: When exchange rates change between the transaction date and the payment date, the difference (gain or loss) generally goes to the profit and loss statement. However, for long-term loans between group companies that are treated as part of the investment in a foreign operation, these differences go to 'other comprehensive income' (a separate part of the financial statements) until the foreign operation is sold.\n*   **Deals with 'non-exchangeable' currencies**: A new addition (from 2025) requires businesses to estimate exchange rates when a currency cannot be freely exchanged due to government restrictions or market failures. This includes detailed disclosure requirements about how the estimate was made.\n*   **Translation to presentation currency**: If a parent company presents its accounts in a different currency from its functional currency (or consolidates foreign subsidiaries), specific rules apply for translating assets, liabilities, income and expenses, with resulting differences recorded in equity.\n\n**Who it affects:**\nAny Australian entity preparing financial statements under Australian Accounting Standards that deals with foreign currencies, including listed companies, large proprietary companies, and not-for-profit entities with international operations.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nExchange rate movements can significantly impact reported profits and financial position. This standard ensures consistent treatment of these effects so investors and regulators can compare financial statements fairly. The recent amendments regarding non-exchangeable currencies are particularly important for entities operating in countries with currency controls or economic instability."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The core scope of the Standard (accounting for foreign‑currency transactions and translating foreign operations and presentation currencies) remains the same (para 3). However, amendments introduced by AASB 2023‑5 extended application guidance and requirements to address situations where a currency is not exchangeable: added definitions and assessment guidance (paras 8, 8A–8B and Appendix A), a requirement to estimate a spot exchange rate when a currency is not exchangeable (para 19A and Appendix A, paras A11–A17), additional disclosure requirements (paras 57A–57B; Appendix A, paras A18–A20), and transitional rules for initial application (paras 60L–60M). These additions broaden the Standard’s practical application to non‑exchangeability scenarios while leaving its fundamental subject matter unchanged (paras 1–3)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple judgment points: determining functional currency requires weighing primary and secondary indicators (paras 9–14).","Non‑exchangeability mechanics: assessing exchangeability and estimating a spot exchange rate where currencies are not exchangeable introduces technical estimation choices and judgement (paras 8, 8A–8B, 19A; Appendix A, paras A2–A17).","Interaction with other Standards: hedge accounting and many derivatives are governed by AASB 9; hyperinflation by AASB 129; consolidation and equity method by AASB 10 and AASB 128 (paras 3–5, 14, 27, 44–47).","Different measurement bases and timing: monetary vs non‑monetary items, historical cost vs fair value, and transaction‑date vs closing‑rate rules (paras 21–26, 23).","Recognition and recycling rules: exchange differences sometimes recognised in profit or loss and sometimes in OCI, with reclassification on disposal of foreign operations (paras 28, 32, 48–48D).","Detailed disclosure requirements and narrative demands, including additional disclosures when a currency is not exchangeable (paras 52, 57A–57B; Appendix A, paras A18–A20).","Transitional and application complexity from recent amendments (AASB 2023‑5) including non‑restatement and opening balance adjustments in some cases (paras 60L–60M).","Cross‑references and conditional requirements spread across many paragraphs and appendices increase interpretive complexity (throughout the Standard)."],"plain_english_summary":"What this Standard does (mechanics first)\n\n- Sets the accounting mechanics for foreign-currency activity: how to identify an entity's functional currency; how to translate foreign‑currency transactions and balances into that functional currency; and how to translate financial statements into a presentation currency (Objective: para 1; Summary: paras 17–19).  \n\n- Scope: applies to most foreign‑currency transactions and balances, translation of foreign operations included by consolidation or the equity method, and translation into a presentation currency (para 3). Derivatives and hedge accounting are handled under AASB 9 (paras 3(a), 4–5, 27).  \n\n- Key measurement rules:  \n  - Record a foreign currency transaction at the spot rate on the transaction date (para 21).  \n  - At each reporting date, translate monetary items at the closing (period‑end) rate; non‑monetary items measured at historical cost use the exchange rate at the transaction date; non‑monetary items measured at fair value use the rate at the fair‑value measurement date (para 23).  \n  - Exchange differences on most monetary items go to profit or loss in the period they arise (paras 28–29). Exchange differences arising from a monetary item that is part of a net investment in a foreign operation are initially recognised in other comprehensive income (OCI) and recycled on disposal (paras 32, 48–48D).  \n  - When an entity changes its functional currency, translation procedures for the new currency are applied prospectively from the change date (paras 35–37).  \n  - When presentation currency differs from functional currency, assets/liabilities use closing rates, income/expenses use transaction‑date rates (or approximations), and resulting translation differences are recognised in OCI (paras 38–41).  \n\n- Special rules for non‑exchangeable currencies: the Standard requires entities to assess whether a currency is \"exchangeable\" and, where a currency is not exchangeable, to estimate a spot exchange rate that reflects an \"orderly exchange\" between market participants at the measurement date (paras 8, 8A–8B, 19A; Appendix A). It provides application guidance on how to assess exchangeability (Appendix A, paras A2–A10), how to estimate an exchange rate (A11–A17), and enhanced disclosure requirements where a currency is not exchangeable (paras 57A–57B; Appendix A, paras A18–A20).  \n\n- Disclosures and interaction with other Standards: entities must disclose exchange differences recognised in profit or loss, cumulative translation differences in OCI and reconciliations (para 52), note when presentation currency differs from functional currency and why (para 53), and provide specified disclosures where a currency is not exchangeable (paras 57A–57B; Appendix A). The Standard works together with other Standards (notably AASB 9 for derivatives and hedge accounting and AASB 129 for hyperinflation) (paras 4–5, 14, 27).  \n\nWhy the Standard exists (official objective and how it is tested against practical effects)\n\n- The stated objective is to prescribe how to include foreign‑currency transactions and foreign operations in financial statements and how to translate financial statements into a presentation currency (para 1). The Standard implements that objective by prescribing concrete measurement and presentation rules (see summary above: paras 20–50).  \n\n- Implementation and judgement points that follow from the Standard:  \n  - Management judgment is central: management determines the functional currency using a hierarchy of indicators and must exercise judgement where indicators are mixed (paras 9–14). This determines which currency measurement rules apply.  \n  - Where a currency is not exchangeable, entities must estimate a spot exchange rate; the Standard allows several estimation approaches (use an observable rate without adjustment, use the first subsequent exchange rate, or apply another estimation technique) and requires disclosure of the method and its inputs (paras 19A; Appendix A, paras A11–A17; disclosure paras 57A, A19–A20). That creates scope for different outcomes across entities operating in similar environments.  \n\nWho bears costs, who decides, and what behaviour changes\n\n- Who pays (compliance costs): reporting entities bear direct costs — implementing the measurement and translation rules, documenting the functional currency assessment, estimating spot rates when currencies are not exchangeable, preparing additional required disclosures, and adapting systems and controls. Paragraphs requiring estimation, judgement and disclosure are: paras 9–14 (functional currency), para 19A and Appendix A (non‑exchangeability estimation), and paras 57A–57B/A19 (disclosure). Transitional rules for the 2023 amendments require opening balance adjustments on initial application in some cases (paras 60L–60M), which may require one‑off accounting work.  \n\n- Who decides (discretion): management decides the functional currency (paras 9–14) and chooses the estimation technique when a currency is not exchangeable (A11–A17). These judgments affect reported profit, OCI and equity, and therefore influence internal decisions about pricing, financing and hedging.  \n\n- Behavioural effects and incentives: the Standard changes the reporting consequences of transacting in or investing in currencies that are not freely exchangeable. That may encourage or discourage particular commercial choices (for example, choice of transaction currency, contract terms, financing currency, or the use of hedging instruments governed by AASB 9) because translation and recognition rules affect reported earnings volatility and equity (paras 3, 27, 32). The Standard does not mandate commercial choices; it sets accounting consequences that market participants will factor into pricing, contracting and risk management.  \n\nTrade‑offs, opportunity costs and implementation risks (source‑grounded)\n\n- Trade‑offs: the Standard balances faithful representation of economic substance against practical measurement constraints. For non‑exchangeable currencies it accepts estimation techniques (A11–A17) to achieve an objectively stated measurement objective (para 19A), but that creates measurement uncertainty and potential inconsistencies between entities.  \n\n- Opportunity costs and administrative burden: entities operating with non‑exchangeable currencies or many foreign operations will incur greater costs for estimation, disclosure and control. Paragraphs prescribing disclosures (57A–57B; A19–A20) increase reporting work and may require specialist input.  \n\n- Implementation risk and variability: significant judgment (functional‑currency determination, choice of estimation technique, selection of observable rates or adjustments) creates a risk of divergent measurement outcomes across entities and periods (paras 9–14; A11–A17). Where entities rely on observable rates for other purposes or subsequent first exchange rates, the Standard requires assessment that those rates reflect prevailing economic conditions (A13–A16), which is itself a judgemental exercise.  \n\nConcise note on concentrated benefits and diffuse costs (source‑grounded)\n\n- The Standard provides tailored rules and disclosure that are likely most useful to entities with exposures to non‑exchangeable currencies (paras 19A, 57A and Appendix A). Those entities obtain clearer guidance; the additional compliance work and estimation costs fall primarily on those preparers (paras A19–A20, 60L–60M). Entities without such exposures face fewer incremental costs.\n\nInteraction with other Standards\n\n- Hedge accounting, derivatives and many foreign‑currency derivatives are scoped to AASB 9, not this Standard (paras 3(a), 4–5, 27). Hyperinflationary economies are addressed by AASB 129 (para 14). Translation and consolidation cross‑refer to AASB 10 and AASB 128 where relevant (paras 44–46).\n\nBottom line (mechanical effect on reporting practice)\n\n- The Standard prescribes how to measure and present foreign‑currency transactions and foreign operations, requires judgement in functional currency and, where currencies are not exchangeable, requires an estimated spot rate and specified disclosures. Those rules change the measurement basis for monetary and non‑monetary items, the timing and location of exchange differences (profit or loss vs OCI), and require management judgement and documentation (paras 9–37; 38–50; 19A; 57A–57B)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015","history":"/api/acts/aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015/history","analysis":"/api/acts/aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/aasb-121-the-effects-of-changes-in-foreign-exchange-rates-august-2015/documents"}}