Can accounts be prepared and filed at Companies House in a foreign currency?

This helpsheet has been issued by ICAEW’s Technical Advisory Service to help ICAEW members to understand whether companies can prepare and file their accounts at Companies House in a foreign currency.

Members may also wish to refer to the following related helpsheets:

• Foreign currency translation under FRS 102
• Which documents in the annual accounts need a signature?

Entities preparing their accounts under FRS 102 or IFRS may present their financial statements in any currency as permitted by FRS 102 paragraph 30.17 or IAS 21 paragraph 38 respectively (presentation currency).

Where the presentation currency is different from the functional currency, that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, FRS 102 paragraph 30.26 or IAS 21 paragraph 53 requires entities to disclose that fact together with the reason for using a different presentation currency.

There are no specific requirements within the Companies Act 2006 with regard to filing accounts presented in a foreign currency. While most UK companies will prepare their accounts in pounds sterling, Companies House will accept accounts prepared in a foreign currency.

ICAEW members, affiliates, ICAEW students and staff in eligible firms with member firm access can discuss their specific situation with the Technical Advisory Service on +44 (0)1908 248 250 or via webchat.