Accounting for Carbon Credits

At present, there are no specific International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), or interpretations of those standards, that relate to carbon credit markets. This whitepaper addresses key accounting questions under existing guidance for both compliance carbon credits and voluntary carbon credits.

The paper addresses key accounting issues for entities that expect to use carbon credits to offset their own emissions, those that will trade these instruments in a secondary market and those that intend to do a combination of both. The paper addresses issues relevant to the application of both IFRS and US GAAP, although IFRS is the principal focus.

ISDA encourages the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board to work together where possible to develop consistent accounting standards for carbon credits under IFRS and US GAAP.

Documents (1) for Accounting for Carbon Credits

From Milestone to Modernization

We’re coming to the end of an exceptionally busy year at ISDA, in which we celebrated our 40th anniversary and doubled down on our enduring commitment to safe and efficient derivatives markets. Reflecting on ISDA’s achievements since 1985, it’s clear...

IRD Trading Activity Q3 2025

This report analyzes interest rate derivatives (IRD) trading activity reported in Europe. The analysis is based on transactions publicly reported by 30 European approved publication arrangements (APAs) and trading venues (TVs). Key highlights for the third quarter of 2025 include:...

Ardagh Credit Event Processing and Trading

The Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee announced on December 15 that a restructuring credit event has occurred with respect to Ardagh. An ISDA Credit Market Infrastructure Group call was held on December 15 to discuss the processing of this event. The...