A PDF version of this publication is attached here: Foreign currency guide - May 2022 (PDF 2.97mb)

PwC is pleased to offer our updated Foreign currency guide. The accounting guidance on foreign currency matters was written more than 40 years ago; yet this topic remains particularly relevant in today’s global economy. Since the accounting literature was originally issued, many companies have changed their operating structures, expanded internationally, and often transact business in multiple global currencies. Although accounting for foreign currency matters has always been a challenging area, globalization has led to increased complexities with respect to the application of this guidance.

This guide begins with a summary of the overall framework for accounting for foreign currency matters. The ensuing chapters further discuss each step in the framework, including identifying foreign entities, determining functional currencies, accounting for foreign currency transactions, and translating financial statements of foreign entities. This guide also discusses accounting implications related to highly inflationary economies, intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies, and acquisitions and dispositions of foreign operations.

This guide summarizes the applicable accounting literature, including relevant references to and excerpts from the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (the Codification). It also provides our insights and perspectives, interpretative and application guidance, illustrative examples, and discussion on emerging practice issues.

This guide should be used in combination with a thorough analysis of the relevant facts and circumstances, review of the authoritative accounting literature, and appropriate professional and technical advice.

Guidance on financial statement presentation and disclosure, foreign currency-related hedging activities, and income tax accounting can be found in other PwC guides.

Definitions, full paragraphs, and excerpts from the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification are clearly labelled. In some instances, guidance was cited with minor editorial modification to flow in the context of the PwC Guide. The remaining text is PwC’s original content.

This guide provides general and specific references to chapters in other PwC guides to assist users in finding other relevant information. References to other guides are indicated by the applicable guide abbreviation followed by the specific section number. The other PwC guides referred to in this guide, including their abbreviations are:

The following is a summary of recent noteworthy revisions to the guide. Additional updates may be made to future versions to keep pace with significant developments.

This publication has been prepared for general informational purposes, and does not constitute professional advice on facts and circumstances specific to any person or entity. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication. The information contained in this publication was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for purposes of avoiding penalties or sanctions imposed by any government or other regulatory body. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, its members, employees, and agents shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person or entity that relies on the information contained in this publication. Certain aspects of this publication may be superseded as new guidance or interpretations emerge. Financial statement preparers and other users of this publication are therefore cautioned to stay abreast of and carefully evaluate subsequent authoritative and interpretative guidance.

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification® material is copyrighted by the Financial Accounting Foundation, 401 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT 06856, and is reproduced with permission.