Cryptocurrency Assets in the Financial Accounting Systems

Abstract

The article deals with constructing an asset accounting process and an algorithm for recognizing an object as an asset. The main approaches to the reflection of cryptocurrency in financial accounting are analyzed. The study showed that International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) still lack specific clarifications on the correctness of accounting and recognition of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are suggested to be recognized as, intangible assets on the one hand, and as inventories, on the other. The research shows that before starting the process of accounting for any asset, it is necessary to determine, whether such a resource meets the definition of an asset. The article proves that cryptocurrency is an asset. However, attaching cryptocurrency to a certain group of assets turns out to be rather problematic. The main approaches to doing it are analyzed. Speaking formally, cryptocurrency is considered to be cash or cash equivalents. Cash and cryptocurrencies have been compared, and the main distinguishing features of these two assets have been considered. The conclusion is made that cryptocurrency should be evaluated at fair value, indicating the date of evaluation to fix actual market conditions. The measure of cryptocurrency when reflected in the financial reporting is the US dollar or its equivalent in the national currency as at the balance sheet date. The research has shown that depending on the type of the enterprise activity, cryptocurrency should be determined in the financial reporting, or the «balance sheet», as «intangible assets» (line code 1000), and the primary value of such an asset corresponds to line 1001, or inventories (line code 1100). Also, if the company’s accounting policy states that cryptocurrency is a financial investment, it should be reflected in line 1160.

Keywords

• cryptoassets
• financial accounting
• financial reporting