In this latest Insights publication, we discuss the accounting implications of the topical issues that entities with a 30 September 2026 year end might want to consider. These issues include geopolitical conflicts (such as the current situation in the Middle East), import tariffs, impairment of non-financial assets, climate change and connectivity between sustainability and financial reporting, private capital transactions, and AI ecosystem transactions.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has initiated a post-implementation review (PIR) of the hedge accounting requirements in IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' and the related disclosure requirements in IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures'.  

Feedback received to date indicates that the IFRS 9 hedge accounting model is generally achieving its objective of better aligning accounting outcomes with entities' risk management activities. However, stakeholders have highlighted challenges in areas such as the application of the "highly probable" criterion, the cost of hedging approach, rebalancing requirements, and hedge accounting disclosures.  

The IASB issued a Request for Information in September 2026 and is seeking feedback to determine whether any targeted improvements or additional guidance are needed. Comments may be submitted to the IASB by 26 January 2027 or shared with the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board by 24 December 2026. 

PwC’s Global Top 100 Unicorns 2026 highlights the continued growth of private capital, with the Global Top 100 Unicorns valued at US$4.6 trillion, up 56% year on year. Notably, entry into the global Top 100 now requires a valuation of at least US$10 billion, representing “decacorn” status. The strengthening IPO market is equally encouraging, with seven unicorns completing IPOs, including landmark listings in space, AI infrastructure and quantum computing, signalling public market appetite for frontier technologies.   

Read more in PwC’s latest Global Top 100 Unicorns report.