Objective
IAS 26 prescribes the accounting and financial reporting requirements for retirement benefit plans (pension funds and other post-employment benefit plans) to ensure their financial statements present fairly the net assets available for benefits and changes in those assets.
Note: IAS 26 applies only to the financial statements of the plan itself, not the sponsoring employer (which uses IAS 19).
🧾 1. Scope
Applies to retirement benefit plans that provide benefits:
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Defined contribution plans, or
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Defined benefit plans, including funded and unfunded plans.
Financial statements are intended for plan members, employers, and regulators.
💡 2. Key Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Retirement Benefit Plan | Arrangement providing benefits to employees after retirement. |
| Fund Assets | Assets set aside to pay benefits; include cash, investments, and receivables. |
| Benefit Obligations | Present value of benefits due to members. |
| Net Assets Available for Benefits | Fund assets minus liabilities (including benefit obligations). |
⚙️ 3. Measurement and Reporting
A. Fund Assets
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Measured at fair value at the reporting date.
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Include:
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Cash and cash equivalents
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Investments (shares, bonds, property)
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Contributions receivable
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B. Liabilities
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Include benefits payable to members and expenses of the plan.
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Actuarial assumptions used to calculate obligations (for defined benefit plans).
C. Net Assets Available for Benefits
Example 1:
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Fund assets = $10,000,000
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Liabilities = $7,500,000
D. Contributions and Benefits
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Contributions received from employers or members → increase assets
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Benefits paid to members → decrease assets
Example 2:
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Contributions during year = $1,000,000
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Benefits paid = $800,000
Net increase in assets = $200,000
E. Investment Income
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Recognized in the period in which it arises.
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Can be interest, dividends, or capital gains/losses.
Example 3:
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Investment income during year = $150,000
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Included in total fund assets
🔄 4. Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits
IAS 26 requires a statement showing changes in net assets:
Example Format:
| Item | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Net assets at beginning of year | 2,000,000 |
| Contributions | 1,000,000 |
| Investment income | 150,000 |
| Benefits paid | (800,000) |
| Administrative expenses | (50,000) |
| Net assets at end of year | 2,300,000 |
📊 5. Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits (Balance Sheet)
Example Format:
| Assets | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Cash & cash equivalents | 500,000 |
| Investments | 2,500,000 |
| Contributions receivable | 100,000 |
| Total Assets | 3,100,000 |
| Liabilities | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Benefits payable | 600,000 |
| Administrative liabilities | 200,000 |
| Total Liabilities | 800,000 |
Net Assets Available for Benefits = $2,300,000
⚖️ 6. Accounting Policies and Disclosures
IAS 26 requires disclosure of:
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Basis of valuation of assets (fair value or cost)
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Description of plan types (defined contribution or defined benefit)
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Funding policy and how contributions are determined
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Actuarial assumptions (for defined benefit plans)
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Expenses of plan administration
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Investments held, including concentration risks
Example Disclosure:
“Investments are measured at fair value based on quoted market prices. The plan is a defined benefit plan funded by employer and employee contributions. Benefits payable are calculated using actuarial assumptions including discount rate 5% and mortality rate based on XYZ table.”
🧩 7. Key Points
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IAS 26 focuses on the plan, not the employer.
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Main goal = net assets available for benefits.
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Requires two main statements:
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Statement of net assets available for benefits (like a balance sheet)
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Statement of changes in net assets available for benefits (like P/L + contributions/benefits)
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Fair value measurement of investments is preferred.
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Disclose assumptions, investment policies, and plan type.
✅ 8. Quick Summary Table
| Item | Treatment | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | Increase assets | $1,000,000 received from members/employer |
| Benefits Paid | Decrease assets | $800,000 paid to retirees |
| Investments | Measured at fair value | Stocks, bonds, property |
| Investment Income | Recognized in period | $150,000 interest & dividends |
| Administrative Expenses | Deduct from assets | $50,000 |
| Net Assets Available | Assets – Liabilities | $2,300,000 |