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Determine the proper accounting classification of stablecoins under IFRS

Determine the appropriate accounting treatment of fiat-backed and crypto-backed stablecoins under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including whether specific stablecoin types satisfy the criteria for classification as cash or cash equivalents, or should instead be classified under alternative categories (e.g., financial assets or other instruments).

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Background

The survey highlights ambiguity in how stablecoins should be treated within existing financial reporting frameworks, referencing discussions on whether low-volatility fiat-backed stablecoins could be considered cash equivalents and noting gaps in token standards vis-à-vis institutional requirements (e.g., ISO 20022).

A clear, standardized accounting classification would be critical for institutional adoption, audits, and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.

References

The categorization of stablecoins within existing financial reporting standards also remains unclear.

Stablecoins: Fundamentals, Emerging Issues, and Open Challenges (2507.13883 - Mahrous et al., 18 Jul 2025) in Section 6.2, item (26) "Legal and Regulatory"