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FRS 102 overview and key changes

Understanding the FRS 102 Periodic Review 2024 amendments, transition requirements and their impact on financial reporting.

Preparing for the FRS 102 Periodic Review 2024 amendments


The FRS 102 Periodic Review 2024 amendments represent the most significant changes to UK GAAP in recent years, introducing major revisions to lease accounting, revenue recognition and several other areas of financial reporting.

With most requirements becoming effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, businesses should now assess the potential impact on their financial statements, systems, processes, and governance arrangements. Early planning can help reduce implementation risk, support compliance, and improve readiness for transition.

This guide, developed by Crowe UK's Financial Reporting Standards specialists, outlines the key FRS 102 amendments, transition requirements and practical considerations businesses should address ahead of implementation.

Overview

FRS 102 Periodic Review 2024 amendments explained


The FRS 102 amendments introduce a number of important changes to UK GAAP financial reporting, including revisions to lease accounting, revenue recognition and disclosure requirements. Understanding the scope, effective dates and transition requirements will help businesses assess the potential impact on their financial reporting and compliance obligations.

What is changing?

The revised standard includes several significant updates:

  • Revisions to lease accounting and revenue recognition through updated versions of Section 20 (Leases) and Section 23 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).
  • Most amendments apply from 1 January 2026, while new disclosure requirements for supplier finance arrangements take effect from 1 January 2025.
  • Early adoption is permitted, provided all amendments are applied at the same time.
  • Application of the revised standard may result in opening reserves and balances being adjusted and, in some cases. Comparative figures recalculated, subject to specific practical expedients.

Why does it matter?

These changes are designed to improve consistency, transparency and alignment with international standards. However, they may also affect reported profits, balance sheets and key performance measures.

Early assessment of the amendments can help businesses identify the areas most affected, review existing reporting processes and plan an effective transition.

Who is affected?

Any entity reporting under FRS 102 will need to consider these amendments. While not all changes will apply to every business, a full review of the revised standard is essential to identify which areas are relevant and what actions are required. 

Key changes

Areas of focus under the revised FRS 102 standards


Section 20

Lease accounting changes

The revised lease rules will have a significant impact for many lessees. 

  • Transition: A modified retrospective approach applies. This means the cumulative effect of initially applying the new requirements is recognised in opening reserves at the date of initial application, with no restatement of comparative figures.
  • Existing contracts: A practical expedient allows entities not to reassess existing contracts for lease identification, provided this is applied consistently and disclosed. 
  • Measurement on transition:  
    • Existing finance leases broadly carry forward current asset and liability balances. 
    • Former operating leases require recognition of a discounted lease liability and corresponding right‑of‑use asset. 
  • Exemptions: Short‑term leases and leases of low‑value assets can remain off‑balance sheet. 
  • IFRS alignment: Entities already calculating IFRS 16 balances for group reporting may be able to use those figures. 
  • Simplifications: Practical expedients include using a single discount rate for similar leases, applying hindsight in certain judgements, and relying on existing onerous lease assessments. 
Section 23

Revenue recognition changes

Revenue recognition moves to a more structured, principles‑based model. 

  • Transition options:  
    • Modified retrospective, with the cumulative impact recognised in opening reserves and no restatement of comparatives. 
    • Full retrospective, with prior periods restated as if the new rules had always applied. 
  • Practical expedients:  
    • Simplified treatment for completed contracts with variable consideration. 
    • Relief from fully restating historic contract modifications. 
  • Disclosures: Reduced disclosure requirements may apply in the year of adoption, depending on the transition method chosen. 

The choice of transition approach can affect both reported results and implementation effort, making early planning important. 

Other transitional considerations

Additional changes introduced by the FRS 102 amendments

The amendments also introduce changes in several other areas: 

  • Fair value measurement: Updated guidance applies prospectively. 
  • Supplier finance arrangements: Disclosure requirement apply for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025. Comparatives are not required.
  • Business combinations: Historic acquisitions are not reassessed unless prior accounting was incomplete. 
  • Uncertain tax positions: A choice between full or modified retrospective application is available. 

While these changes are more targeted, they still require careful review to ensure correct application and disclosure. 

Planning ahead

Practical steps for implementing the FRS 102 amendments


Early action can help reduce implementation risk, maintain compliance with evolving financial reporting requirements and build stakeholder confidence through clear and consistent reporting. Businesses should therefore take practical steps now to understand the amendments and prepare for implementation.

Navigating the transition to the revised FRS 102 standard


The FRS 102 Periodic Review 2024 amendments represent an important step in the evolution of UK GAAP, bringing greater consistency, transparency and alignment with international reporting standards.

For many businesses, the changes to lease accounting, revenue recognition and disclosure requirements will require careful planning, robust data and clear communication with stakeholders. Early action to assess the impact of the amendments, select appropriate transition approaches and review supporting systems can help reduce implementation challenges and support ongoing compliance.

Crowe UK's Audit team can help businesses understand the implications of the revised standard, assess readiness and support a smooth transition to the new requirements. 

For further guidance on specific areas of FRS 102, explore our related resources covering key accounting and financial reporting requirements.

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