List of Ind AS (Accounting Standards)

Indian Accounting Standard 104 (IndAS 104), also known as "Insurance Contracts," is a crucial accounting standard issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). IndAS 104 provides comprehensive guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of insurance contracts in the financial statements of insurance companies operating in India. The standard aims to enhance the transparency, comparability, and reliability of financial reporting in the insurance industry, ensuring that users of financial statements have access to relevant and reliable information.

Key Provisions of IndAS 104:

1. Definition and Scope:

IndAS 104 defines an insurance contract as a contract that transfers significant insurance risk from the policyholder to the insurer. The standard applies to all types of insurance contracts, including life, health, property, casualty, and liability insurance, regardless of the form in which they are written.

2. Measurement of Insurance Contracts:

IndAS 104 provides guidance on the measurement of insurance contracts, distinguishing between two main measurement models: the premium allocation approach (PAA) and the building block approach (BBA). The PAA allocates premiums over the coverage period, while the BBA considers the contractual cash flows, risk adjustments, and time value of money to determine the carrying amount of insurance liabilities and related assets.

3. Contract Modifications and Derecognition:

IndAS 104 outlines the accounting treatment for contract modifications and derecognition of insurance contracts. Changes in the contractual terms or coverage are accounted for as modifications, while derecognition occurs when the contractual rights and obligations under an insurance contract cease to exist.

4. Presentation and Disclosure:

IndAS 104 mandates specific presentation and disclosure requirements for insurance contracts in the financial statements. Insurance companies must provide information about the nature and extent of insurance contracts, significant assumptions, uncertainties, and risk management practices. Additionally, disclosures related to insurance risk, policyholder participation features, and sensitivity analysis are required to enhance transparency and assist users in understanding the financial impact of insurance contracts.

5. Transition and Implementation:

IndAS 104 provides guidance on the transition from previous accounting practices to the requirements of the standard. Insurance companies are required to apply the standard retrospectively, adjusting the opening balance of retained earnings or other appropriate equity components. The standard also offers practical expedients and transitional reliefs to ease the implementation process.

Significance and Application of IndAS 104:

1. Improved Financial Reporting in the Insurance Industry:

IndAS 104 enhances the quality and transparency of financial reporting in the insurance sector. By providing comprehensive guidelines for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of insurance contracts, the standard ensures that insurance companies accurately represent the financial impact of their insurance activities, enabling users of financial statements to make informed decisions.

2. Consistency and Comparability:

IndAS 104 promotes consistency and comparability in the accounting treatment of insurance contracts across insurance companies. By establishing a common framework for measuring and disclosing insurance liabilities, the standard facilitates meaningful analysis and benchmarking of insurance companies' financial performance and risk profiles.

3. Enhanced Risk Assessment and Pricing:

IndAS 104 enables insurance companies to better assess and price insurance risks. The standard requires a thorough evaluation of contractual cash flows, risk adjustments, and time value of money, providing a more accurate estimation of insurance liabilities. This supports effective risk management practices and ensures adequate pricing of insurance products.

4. Investor and Stakeholder Confidence:

Compliance with IndAS 104 enhances investor and stakeholder confidence in the financial statements of insurance companies. The standard's rigorous requirements for recognition, measurement, and disclosure of insurance contracts instill trust and transparency, enabling investors, policyholders, regulators, and other stakeholders to evaluate the financial health of insurance companies. This, in turn, fosters a stable and robust insurance industry, attracting investment and promoting financial stability.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

IndAS 104 aligns Indian accounting practices with international standards, particularly International Financial Reporting Standard 17 (IFRS 17). By adopting IndAS 104, insurance companies ensure compliance with the global standards, facilitating cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and international comparability.

Practical Examples of IndAS 104 in India:

1. Measurement of Life Insurance Contracts:

An insurance company assesses the cash flows and risks associated with a life insurance contract. It applies the building block approach (BBA) to determine the carrying amount of insurance liabilities, considering mortality risk, policyholder behavior, and discount rates. The company also recognizes any policyholder participation features, such as bonuses or dividends, in accordance with IndAS 104.

2. Accounting for Property and Casualty Insurance Contracts:

An insurance company issues property and casualty insurance policies covering various risks, such as fire, theft, and liability. It applies the premium allocation approach (PAA) to allocate premiums over the coverage period, recognizing the related insurance revenue. The company also accounts for claims incurred, reserves for outstanding claims, and any potential adjustments based on changing estimates or contract modifications.

3. Disclosure of Insurance Risk and Sensitivity Analysis:

An insurance company discloses information about its exposure to insurance risks, such as underwriting risk, credit risk, and market risk. It provides details on the methods used to assess and manage these risks, including the use of risk models, reinsurance arrangements, and risk management policies. The company also performs sensitivity analysis to disclose the potential impact of changes in key assumptions on the carrying amounts of insurance liabilities.

4. Presentation of Insurance Contracts in Financial Statements:

An insurance company presents its insurance contracts separately in the financial statements, distinguishing between the carrying amounts of insurance liabilities and the related assets, such as reinsurance recoverables and deferred acquisition costs. The company discloses the nature and extent of its insurance contracts, including the duration, coverage, and policyholder participation features.

5. Transition to IndAS 104:

An insurance company adopts IndAS 104 and undergoes a retrospective transition from its previous accounting practices. It adjusts the opening balance of retained earnings to reflect the impact of adopting the new standard. The company applies practical expedients and transitional reliefs as permitted by IndAS 104 to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize the disruption to its financial reporting.