IVSC launches new global standards for valuation profession

IVSC has launched IVS 2017 marking an important milestone towards harmonising valuation practice across the world.

IVS 2017 will serve as the key guidance for valuation professionals globally and will underpin consistency, transparency and confidence in valuations which are key to investment decisions as well as financial reporting.

The launch is the latest step in IVSC’s mission to raise standards of international valuation practice as a core part of the financial system, for the benefit of capital markets and the public interest.

The Standards have been created following an extensive consultation process from April to October 2016. More than 100 official comment letters on the initial drafts of IVS 2017 were received from a range of stakeholders, including valuation profession organisations, individual professionals and academics.

IVS 2017 comprises five General Standards and six Asset Standards. The General Standards set requirements for the conduct of all valuation assignments including establishing the terms of a valuation engagement, bases of value, valuation approaches and methods, and reporting.

The Asset Standards include requirements related to specific types of assets, including background information on the characteristics of each asset type that influence value and additional asset-specific requirements regarding common valuation approaches and methods used.

The latest version of the Standards bring greater depth to IVS, as was requested by members, including the major accountancy firms and other stakeholders.

Sir David Tweedie, Chairman of IVSC, said: “IVS 2017 represents the latest in IVSC’s continuing commitment to developing high-quality valuation standards.

“The valuation of assets, both tangible and intangible, plays an essential role in financial and real estate markets – and therefore the global economy. IVS 2017 will be instrumental in improving valuation practice and will bring greater efficiency to capital markets.”

Nick Talbot, CEO of IVSC said: “We are very thankful to our many member organisations and other stakeholders for their input to improve the Standards. This input has ensured IVS 2017 is fit for purpose and that its adoption will boost the transparency of, and confidence in, valuations for the benefit of business and the public.

“IVS 2017 has been designed with the specific aim of allowing continued, targeted improvements to the standards from the new expanded Standards Board we are putting in place.”

Accessing IVS 2017

IVS 2017 for our members and sponsors

IVSC members: We are providing all members and sponsors of IVSC with a free electronic copy of IVS 2017 for their members and employees.

IVSC sponsors: We are providing significant sponsors (who contribute US$25,000 or more per year) free access to IVSonline, which includes other documents beyond IVS 2017, for their members and employees.

As IVS 2017 has only just been provided to members and sponsors, it will doubtless take some time for organisations to make available, so we ask for your patience whilst this is worked through.

Hard copies of IVS 2017

From Wednesday (18 January) evening, you can order a hard copy from the IVSC Bookstore at a cost of £80 per copy.

While this is an increase in price to reflect rising costs, it is cheaper than buying IVS 2013 and the associated Technical Information Papers (TIPs). Relevant parts of TIPs are now incorporated into IVS 2017.

Soft copies of IVS 2017

To access a soft copy of IVS 2017, please subscribe to IVSonline.