How IFRS contribute to the financialization of capitalism

Abstract

The contribution of IFRS to the process of financialization of capitalism can be analysed from several angles. We first propose two meanings that can be assigned to the concept of financialization: first as a process of morphological transformation of capitalism, and second as a gradual colonisation by specific "financialised" techniques and calculation methods. We then show that in many respects IFRS can be regarded as "financialised" standards. Finally we highlight some contributions of IFRS to the morphological transformation of capitalism (that is changes in distribution of wealth and power). As a result, IFRS can be seen as much financialised as financialising standards.