​CECL: Guidance for Non-Financial Institutions

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In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, codified within Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 (ASC 326). While banks and other traditional financial institutions will be most affected by the FASB’s new credit impairment model for financial assets based on current expected credit loss (“CECL”), all entities with balances due (e.g., trade receivables) or that have an off-balance-sheet credit exposure (e.g., financial guarantees) will be impacted. These include companies in the consumer and retail industry, manufacturing entities and other non-financial institutions. This publication summarizes key aspects of the CECL standard typically applicable for non-financial institutions in a Q&A format. It addresses the following questions:

1. What is CECL and how does it differ from the existing impairment model?

2. What types of financial assets are within the scope of CECL?

3. What types of financial instruments are outside the scope of CECL? 

4. Are operating lease receivables in the scope of CECL?

5. Are trade receivables within the scope of CECL?

6. Is an equity security within the scope of CECL?

7. Did the model for AFS debt securities change?

8. When is CECL effective?

9. Is CECL effective retrospectively or prospectively?

10. Are new disclosures required under CECL?

11. What types of disclosures apply prior to adopting CECL?

12. Will adopting CECL impact an entity’s internal control over financial reporting?

Download the full publication for the answers!

Editor’s note: The FASB has proposed two amendments related to ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which, if finalized, would:

  • Address stakeholder feedback on the comparability and complexity for purchased financial assets.
  • Simplify estimating credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets for private companies and specific not-for-profit entities.

Readers should monitor the FASB website for developments. BDO’s publications reflect current U.S. GAAP and have not been updated for these proposals, which are not effective and may not be applied.