International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Guidelines and rules set by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that companies and organizations can follow when compiling financial statements. The creation of international standards allows investors, organizations and governments to compare the IFRS-supported financial statements with greater ease. Over 100 countries currently require or permit companies to comply with IFRS standards. The International Financial Reporting Standards were previously called the International Accounting Standards (IAS). Organizations in the United States are required to use the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). See also International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC).