Navigating IFRS 9 Compliance: The Role of Technology in Financial Management

The enforcement of IFRS 9  represents a crucial development in finance, imposing substantial changes in how financial institutions calculate and present their provisions. This standard, aimed at enhancing transparency and predictive capability of credit losses, has posed a considerable challenge for entities while also opening the door to optimization opportunities through advanced tools. 

IFRS 9: A Quick Overview 

This standard has introduced an expected loss approach instead of the previous incurred loss model. Furthermore, it has strengthened the link between accounting and risk management, requiring financial institutions to anticipate and recognize credit losses from  loan origination. 

IFRS 9, or the International Financial Reporting Standard 9, is an accounting standard issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). It governs the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of financial instruments. IFRS 9 replaces the previous standard, IAS 39, and introduces several fundamental changes, including: 

  1. Classification and Measurement: IFRS 9 introduces a new classification and measurement approach for financial assets, with the main categories being amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (OCI), and fair value through profit or loss. 
  2. Impairment: IFRS 9 includes an expected credit loss (ECL) model for impairment, requiring entities to recognize expected credit losses on financial assets earlier than  the previous standard. This model aims to provide a more forward-looking approach to assessing credit risk. 
  3. Hedge Accounting: IFRS 9 simplifies hedge accounting requirements, making it easier for entities to apply hedge accounting and better reflect their risk management activities in financial statements. 

IFRS 9 is designed to refine financial reporting, offering more pertinent and timely insights regarding an entity’s financial instruments. It seeks to boost transparency and enable better comparability across financial statements.  

Why seek technology for IFRS 9 compliance? 

Exploring technological solutions for IFRS 9 compliance is essential due to the standard’s more prudent approach to loss accounting, potentially elevating provisions and notably affecting lending-focused companies. An IDB study highlights that such an increase in provisions could diminish the net profits of financial organizations in Latin America by as much as 15%. 

The adoption of technology in navigating IFRS 9 compliance offers several key benefits: 

  1. Efficiency: Technology streamlines and automates complex processes involved in IFRS 9 compliance, such as data analysis, modeling, and reporting. This saves time and resources for financial institutions, enabling them to meet regulatory requirements more efficiently. 
  2. Accuracy: Advanced technological tools can perform intricate calculations and assessments more accurately  than manual methods. This reduces the risk of errors in compliance activities, ensuring that financial statements adhere to the standards set forth by IFRS 9. 
  3. Timeliness: Technology enables real-time monitoring and reporting of financial data, allowing  to identify and address compliance issues promptly. This ensures that financial statements are prepared and submitted within regulatory deadlines. 
  4. Adaptability: The evolving nature of regulatory standards necessitates flexible and adaptable compliance solutions. Technology can be easily updated and customized to accommodate changes in IFRS 9 requirements, ensuring ongoing compliance with the latest standards. 
  5. Competitive Advantage: Leveraging technology for IFRS 9 compliance can give financial institutions a competitive edge.  Organizations can efficiently meet regulatory obligations and focus on strategic initiatives and innovation, driving business growth and differentiation in the marketplace. 

The Challenge of Provision Calculations under IFRS 9 

One of the major challenges facing financial institutions in implementing IFRS 9 is the need to adopt more complex and accurate models for provisioning calculations. This process involves evaluating  historical information and prospective factors, such as changes in economic conditions and customer behaviors. 

The Challenge of Provision Calculations under IFRS 9 stems from the standard’s requirement for financial institutions to adopt more complex and accurate models for provisioning.

Unlike previous standards, IFRS 9 introduces an expected credit loss (ECL) model, which necessitates evaluating not only historical data but also prospective factors such as changes in economic conditions and customer behaviors. This requires sophisticated analytical tools and methodologies to estimate expected credit losses accurately.

Financial institutions must develop robust risk assessment frameworks and data analytics capabilities to  implement the ECL model effectively and ensure compliance with IFRS 9. Additionally, the challenge lies in integrating these advanced models seamlessly into existing accounting and risk management processes while maintaining transparency and consistency in provisioning calculations.  

Addressing the Challenge of Provision Calculations under IFRS 9 requires a comprehensive approach combining technical expertise, data analytics proficiency, and strategic alignment with regulatory requirements.

GDS Link: A Comprehensive Solution 

 Navigating the complexities of compliance, financial institutions can harness the power of GDS Link, a frontrunner in data analysis and financial modeling. This platform not only eases the adoption of necessary IFRS 9 models but also brings to the table a variety of significant benefits: 

  • Advanced Models: GDS Link offers various advanced models that enable financial institutions to adapt to the specific requirements of IFRS 9.  These models consider historical data, macroeconomic variables, and market trends, providing a solid foundation for estimating expected losses. 
  • Extensive Analytical Capacity: GDS Link’s analytical capacity enables efficient processing of large datasets, facilitating risk assessment and accurate reporting. This is essential for meeting the rigorous requirements of IFRS 9 and ensuring consistency in provisioning calculations. 
  • Cost Optimization: By adopting GDS Link, financial institutions can achieve  compliance with IFRS 9, and generate substantial savings. Efficiency in provisioning calculations and GDS Link’s ability to identify opportunities for improving credit risk management, results in significant cost optimization.
  • Preparing for the Financial Future: The enforcement of IFRS 9 has changed the game in financial provisioning management, presenting challenges and opportunities.  Adopting advanced tools like GDS Link ensures regulatory compliance and positions financial institutions at the forefront of efficiency and proactive risk management. In an industry that’s continuously evolving, investment in solutions like GDS Link is vital to sustainable success and adaptability to regulatory changes. 


Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with IFRS 9 standards with GDS Link’s comprehensive solutions. Our advanced models and analytical capacity enable efficient provisioning calculations, ensuring accuracy and consistency in financial reporting. Don’t risk non-compliance – leverage GDS Link to navigate the complexities of IFRS 9 regulations seamlessly. Get in touch with us today to learn more! 

Book a Free Demo

About GDS Link 

 GDS Link is a trusted partner for financial institutions worldwide, offering innovative risk management and growth solutions. From loan originations to customer management, GDS Link helps thousands of clients manage risk while driving growth. 
 
Check out the latest IFRS 9 updates here to stay updated: https://www.ifrs.org/ 

Related Articles

Request a Demo

From loan originations and decisioning, to customer management and beyond, GDS Link helps thousands of clients manage risk while driving growth.

LEARN HOW