Introduction
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.
This helpsheet includes references to FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (September 2024) (‘new FRS 102’) which is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026 (except for paragraphs 7.20B and 7.20C which are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025). This helpsheet also includes references to FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (January 2022) (‘old FRS 102’) which was effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, or 1 January 2017 for small entities applying Section 1A, following the Triennial review 2017.
Members may also wish to refer to the following related helpsheets:
Presentation currency
Entities preparing their accounts under old or new FRS 102 or IFRS may present their financial statements in any currency as permitted by old and new 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, old and new 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.
Companies House
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.
If in doubt seek advice
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.
© ICAEW 2026 All rights reserved.
ICAEW cannot accept responsibility for any person acting or refraining to act as a result of any material contained in this helpsheet. This helpsheet is designed to alert members to an important issue of general application. It is not intended to be a definitive statement covering all aspects but is a brief comment on a specific point.
ICAEW members have permission to use and reproduce this helpsheet on the following conditions:
- This permission is strictly limited to ICAEW members only who are using the helpsheet for guidance only.
- The helpsheet is to be reproduced for personal, non-commercial use only and is not for re-distribution.
For further details members are invited to telephone the Technical Advisory Service T +44 (0)1908 248250. The Technical Advisory Service comprises the technical enquiries, ethics advice, anti-money laundering and fraud helplines. For further details visit icaew.com/tas.
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Update History
- 01 Jan 2014 (12: 00 AM GMT)
- First published
- 21 Mar 2024 (12: 00 AM GMT)
- Changelog created. Converted to new template. Links updated. Helpsheet has not had a full review
- 19 Feb 2026 (12: 00 AM GMT)
- Added clarification and references to 'old- and new FRS 102', as the changes applicable in the September 2024 version of the standard, came into effect on 1 January 2026.
