The Effects of IFRS Adoption on Economic Growth: a cross-country study

Abstract

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to conduct an examination of the actual advantages that accrue from the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on a national level.

Summary

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have been widely adopted since the early 2000s, and numerous studies have investigated their benefits at the firm level. However, little attention has been paid to whether these benefits actually lead to economic growth in the long-term. This study aims to address this gap by examining the effects of IFRS adoption on a country-level economic scale, using GDP growth as proxy for economic growth. By doing so, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of IFRS adoption beyond the firm level, contributing to existing literature on the topic and informing policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders involved in financial reporting standards.

Conclusions

The study finds no evidence supporting IFRS adoption boosting the economic growth of nations, other than for developing countries. This poses the question if IFRS adoption is as beneficial as often theorized.