IFRS 12 requires entities to disclose information that helps users understand:
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The nature of interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates, and structured entities
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The risks associated with these interests
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The financial effects on the financial statements
It applies to entities with interests in:
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Subsidiaries (IFRS 10)
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Joint arrangements (IFRS 11)
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Associates (IAS 28)
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Unconsolidated structured entities
1. Objectives of IFRS 12
Entities must disclose information that helps users evaluate:
A. Control and Interests
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How the entity has control, joint control, or significant influence
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Judgements and assumptions used
B. Risks / Exposures
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Commitments
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Guarantees
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Loss-absorbing obligations
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Involvement with structured entities
C. Effects on Financial Statements
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Impact on performance
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Impact on cash flows
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Non-controlling interests (NCI)
2. Required Disclosures by Type of Interest
A. Subsidiaries (IFRS 10)
Entities MUST disclose:
1. Composition of the Group
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List of significant subsidiaries
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% ownership and % voting rights
Example:
Parent owns:
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80% of A Co.
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60% of B Co.
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100% of C Co.
These must be listed with ownership percentages.
2. Non-Controlling Interests (NCI)
Disclose for each subsidiary with material NCI:
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NCI share of profit/loss
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NCI share of net assets
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Dividends paid to NCI
Example (subsidiary B):
Profit: $1,000,000
NCI (40%): $400,000
→ Must be disclosed
3. Restrictions
Disclose restrictions on:
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Cash transfers
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Dividends
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Asset usage
Example:
Bank regulator prohibits B Co. from paying dividends → disclose.
4. Loss of Control
Disclose:
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Gain or loss
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Consideration received
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Portion of investment retained
B. Joint Arrangements (IFRS 11)
Different disclosures for:
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Joint Ventures (JV)
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Joint Operations (JO)
1. Joint Ventures (Equity Method)
Must disclose:
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Name and nature of the JV
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Ownership percentage
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Summarized financial information of the JV:
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Assets, liabilities
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Revenue, profit/loss
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Cash flows
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Significant restrictions
Example:
A Co. has 50% in Beta JV → Must show Beta JV’s revenue, profit, assets, liabilities.
2. Joint Operations
Must disclose:
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Nature of JO
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Proportion of assets/liabilities recognized
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Risks and commitments
Example:
A & B jointly operate an oil field.
A recognizes 40% of JO assets & liabilities → must disclose basis for classification.
C. Associates (IAS 28)
Disclose:
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Name of associate
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Ownership %
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Why significant influence exists
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Summarized financial data
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Fair value (if quoted)
Example:
A owns 25% of Gamma Ltd → must provide Gamma’s summarized balance sheet & P/L.
D. Unconsolidated Structured Entities
Structured entity = designed so that:
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Voting rights are not key for control
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Risks/returns depend on contractual terms
Examples:
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Securitization vehicles
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Special purpose entities (SPEs)
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Investment funds
Must disclose:
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Nature and purpose of the entity
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How the reporting entity is involved
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Maximum exposure to loss
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Any support provided
Example:
Bank sponsors an SPE holding financial assets → must disclose exposure (e.g., guarantees).
3. Judgements and Assumptions Disclosures
Entities must explain:
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Why it controls (or does not control) another entity
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Why joint control or significant influence exists
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Why the entity is not consolidated (if structure is unusual)
Examples:
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A owns 48% but still controls due to dispersed ownership → disclose reasons
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A owns 60% but does not control because minority shareholders have substantive rights → disclose
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A sponsors a structured entity but has no power → explain why not controlled
4. Summarized Financial Information Requirements
For material subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates, disclose:
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Current assets
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Non-current assets
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Current liabilities
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Non-current liabilities
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Revenue
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Profit or loss
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Total comprehensive income
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Cash flows
Example: (Summarized JV Beta Ltd.)
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Current assets: 2.4m
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Non-current assets: 8.0m
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Current liabilities: 1.6m
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Revenue: 10.5m
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Profit: 2.1m
Investor shows its percentage share using the equity method.
5. Example of IFRS 12 Disclosure Note (Simplified)
Note X: Interests in Other Entities
Subsidiaries
The Group has the following significant subsidiaries:
| Subsidiary | Country | Ownership | Voting Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Co. | Cambodia | 80% | 80% |
| B Co. | Vietnam | 60% | 60% |
Non-controlling interests:
NCI share of profit: $400,000
NCI share of net assets: $3,200,000
Joint Ventures
The Group has a 50% interest in Beta JV.
Summarized financial information:
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Revenue: $10.5m
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Profit: $2.1m
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Assets: $10.4m
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Liabilities: $2.1m
Group share of profit (50%): $1.05m
Associates
25% interest in Gamma Ltd.
Summarized financial information:
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Profit: $800,000
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Group share: $200,000
Unconsolidated Structured Entities
The Group sponsors an SPE used to securitize receivables.
Maximum exposure to loss: $3m
No support was provided during the period.
6. Quick Comparison Summary
| Item | Subsidiaries | Joint Ventures | Joint Operations | Associates | Structured Entities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | IFRS 10 | IFRS 11 | IFRS 11 | IAS 28 | IFRS 12 |
| Accounting | Consolidation | Equity method | Share of assets/liabilities | Equity method | Not consolidated |
| IFRS 12 focus | NCI, restrictions, risks | Summarized financial info | Rights/obligations | Significant influence | Exposure to risk |