Challenges of applying IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts” In the Iraqi environment

Abstract

The research aims to identify the recognition criteria and measurement, as well as presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts, especially those related to future liabilities and assets, as well as revenue arising from such contracts accordance with the requirements of IFRS 17 and then identify the most important challenges that will be faced if the standard was applied in the Iraqi insurance companies compared with the accounting requirements for insurance contracts in accordance with the unified accounting system for banks and insurance companies currently applied in the local environment. The research found that there are fundamental differences in the concepts and recognition criteria as well as the measurement approaches of liabilities and assets as well as income from insurance contracts, which poses challenges for Iraqi insurance companies need to face in order to reach the proper application of the requirements of IFRS 17. The research recommended that the concerned departments in the Iraqi insurance companies should design an integrated information system that enables the units of accounting to apply the proper basis for the recognition of insurance contracts and then measured according to the requirements of IFRS 17 to serve the insurance companies and their stakeholders and the community.