4．記念式典スピーチ

Perspectives on the movetowards global accounting
standards
IFRS 財団モニタリング・ボード暫定議長
Michel, Hans, and, distinguished guests,

こう のまさみち

河野 正道

In such a difficult environment, investors andissuers will both benefit enormously fromI am Masamichi Kono, Vice Commissioner for

globally consistent and comparable financial

International Affairs of the Financial Services

statements, which could only be based upon

Agency of Japan. In my capacity as Acting

accounting standards which ensure such con-Chair of the IFRS Foundation Monitoring

sistency and comparability.

Board, it is my great honor and pleasure towelcome you all today to this commemorativeThus, there can be no turning back in our col-opening ceremony of the IFRS Foundationlective endeavor to develop a single set of

Asia-Oceania Office.

high quality accounting standards as a common measurement tool for the financial condi-

Today, I would like to raise a couple of per-tions of firms in this globalized world, howev-

spectives which I think would be fundamen-

er difficult and bumpy the road may be. To

tally important in working towards the use ofput it differently, if global capital markets area single set of high-quality global accounting

to exist, they must be supported by a set ofstandards around the world, including thetruly global accounting standards which are

Asia-Oceania.

yet to come.

Needless to say, global capital markets have

In recognition of this stark reality, it is ex-

become even more interconnected and inte-

tremely important for the International Ac-

grated, despite the enduring financial crisis incounting Standards Board（IASB）to fulfill its

Europe. Investors are in need of investment

primary mission, i.e., to develop truly high-opportunities supported by open, sound andquality, easily- understandable, appropriately-transparent capital markets. Firms are in

enforceable and, last but not least, globally-ac-

need of alternative means of funding for

cepted financial reporting standards.

growth and investment, both domesticallyand internationally, while the banking systemremains paralyzed in many countries.

The IFRS Foundation stresses the importanceof this mission, which is highlighted in theStrategy Review Report of the IFRS Founda-34

2012.12 vol.39 季刊 会計基準

特集

IFRS 財団アジア・オセアニアオフィスの開設

tion Trustees. The IASB Board Members, thequestions we tried to answer when we con-Trustees, and the Monitoring Board should all

ducted the Monitoring boardʼs Governancework together to progressively and steadily

Review this year. Now we have to go downachieve this ultimate goal.

the extra mile to complete that exercise in
the nearest possible future.

We should, however, note at the same timethat merely striving to develop a single set of

Inclusiveness can be achieved through en-

high-quality global accounting standards does

abling various stakeholders to become morenot enable us to fulfill our mission. Whenengaged, more deeply involved, more proac-these standards are implemented, they should

tive in the standard-setting process. Theybe able to meet different conditions and themust be able to express their opinions direct-

needs of the stakeholders in a wide variety of

ly towards the IASB, the IFRS Foundation

legal systems, business environments, andTrustees, and the Monitoring Board. Thosemarket conditions in this diversified world. In

bodies can make sound and robust decisions

other words, there could be no simple one-

only after having heard such opinions throughsize-fits-all answer to all of the relevant ques-a fair and transparent process. Due processes

tions. Rather, those global standards wouldof Plan-Do-Check-Action must be followed inneed to be principles-based and inclusive, forboth the standard-setting and implementation

perfectly understandable reasons.

phases. Each stakeholder, after having ex-Also, we should keep in mind that the ac-

receive proper feedback from these entities

counting standard-setter, which is tasked toupon decision-making by those bodies.

pressed his or her views, should be entitled todevelop the set of high-quality global accounting standards, needs to be placed under aIf we look around the world, IFRSs are usedproper and functioning governance structure.

in over 100 countries. Of those countries, 25

Proper governance for an accounting stan-

are represented at the Asian-Oceania Stan-

dard-setter will be achieved only through en-

dard-Setters Group（AOSSG）, the regional

hancing its accountability while ensuring its

group of accounting standard-setters. I believe

independence. It will also need to be inclusive,that Asia-Oceania, being the most populated

i.e. be able to meet the diverse needs of all

and fast-growing region in the world, will be

the stakeholders involved around the world.

the largest potential users of IFRSs in theyears to come. Countries in Asia-Oceania,

How can we improve governance at the ac-with their diversified economic and culturalcounting standard-setter? How can we makebackgrounds, are capable of making evenit more inclusive, to be able to cater to thegreater contributions to the future develop-needs of a changing world, and be account-ment of IFRSs.

able to a more diversified set of stakeholders
in this globalized world? Those were theTherefore, I must reiterate that it is truly sig-

2012.12 vol.39 季刊 会計基準

35

nificant that the IFRS Foundation Asia-Oceania Office, the first satellite office abroad forthe IFRS Foundation, has opened today in theregion. I expect that this office will function
as an important nerve center for the IFRSFoundation to listen to and provide feedback
to the increasingly wide range of stakeholders
in the region.
Let me conclude my remarks by congratulating all of you who have made this opening of
the IFRS Foundation Asia-Oceania Office possible. I truly hope that IFRSs will become
more accessible, more user-friendly, and moreinclusive. If we do a good job, the goal of having a single set of high-quality global accounting standards, accompanied by consistent andinclusive implementation of those standards,
will be achieved in the reasonably near future, with overwhelming support from global
stakeholders.
Thank you.

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2012.12 vol.39 季刊 会計基準