Digital tokens come in a variety of forms, and new tokens are emerging almost daily. The function of these digital tokens vary. Some are designed to function as a digital medium of exchange. These are commonly referred to as “digital currency” or “cryptocurrency.” Others provide a right to use a product or service and may be referred to as “utility tokens;” whereas “asset tokens” provide for rights to obtain assets. Still others, known as “security tokens,” may entitle holders to voting rights and/or rights to profits/losses. However, the distinction between types of tokens can oftentimes be blurry.
Digital tokens are built on a common distributed ledger infrastructure, often referred to as a “blockchain”, that allows the transfer of tokens to be validated by members of the token network.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, are not synonymous. Rather, blockchain is the underlying technology that facilitates the creation and transfers of digital tokens, including cryptocurrency.
Digital tokens can be initially funded through offerings, referred to as “initial coin offerings” (ICOs). ICOs are attracting regulatory scrutiny. The SEC has stated that initial issuances of certain tokens may be required to be registered under securities law and that regulatory matters related to ICOs will be an enforcement priority for 2018.
History also has proved that transparency, investor protection and market integrity are critical to ensuring that innovation continues. But today we are seeing substantial [distributed ledger technology]-related market activity that shows little or no regard to our proven regulatory approach. This concerns us.
The US and other international governments have also raised concerns regarding cryptocurrencies. Given the recent volatility, governments around the world continue to consider if and how cryptocurrencies can be regulated.
There are two general methods by which cryptocurrency is obtained:
Mining can generate new units of cryptocurrencies. However, this method of cryptocurrency creation continues to evolve. This type of mining also requires significant energy consumption (creating environmental concerns), and transaction fees, and requires substantial processing capacity, among other concerns.
The rights and preferences of the different types of digital tokens vary widely. Accordingly, a one-size-fits all accounting model is not practical.
It's fair to say that current accounting standards did not contemplate digital tokens. However, given the relative similarities among cryptocurrencies, it may be possible to fit them into an existing accounting model. Notwithstanding this, such models may not result in the best representation of the unique economics of cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrencies meet the definition of an intangible asset. This model results in holdings of cryptocurrencies being recorded at the cost of acquisition, subject to impairment. That is, the model will only capture declines in the value of the cryptocurrency, not increases.
When cryptocurrency is purchased, the intangible asset would be measured at the price paid or consideration given to obtain the cryptocurrency. However, the question for miners is more complicated. Unlike a direct purchase, miners are awarded units, but they incur costs of computing equipment, electricity, and other expenses. At issue for the miners is whether the associated costs should be capitalized as an intangible asset or expensed.
There is not a lot of guidance on accounting for the costs incurred to internally-develop intangible assets, but it generally limits capitalization. Notwithstanding, existing guidance may not preclude capitalization for certain costs incurred by miners to obtain cryptocurrencies. Miners may need to analogize to other areas of US GAAP where explicit guidance exists (e.g., internal-use software or film production).
Further challenges associated with the intangible asset model relate to post-acquisition or creation accounting, including when to test for impairment. As the prices of many cryptocurrencies are currently driven by speculative interests, there is significant volatility in cryptocurrency markets. Given these rapid changes in value, practical challenges loom over judgments associated with when the intangible assets are “more likely than not” to be impaired.
While it is possible to fit cryptocurrency into the existing accounting model for intangible assets, this model does not best reflect the economics of these unique assets. Unlike other intangible assets that are measured at cost (unless impaired), the fundamental nature of cryptocurrencies is different. While these assets have no physical substance, many are traded on exchanges (unlike other intangibles), are designed to be accepted as payment for other goods and services (which is infrequent for intangibles), and subject to significant volatility.
We believe that a fair value measurement model, with both realized and unrealized changes reflected currently in the income statement, will best represent the economics associated with holding cryptocurrencies.
Further, we believe that the disclosures that accompany fair value measurements will provide useful information to stakeholders. This will allow financial statement users with current information to monitor cryptocurrency holdings, including the valuation techniques and observable and unobservable inputs used to derive fair value.
Given the current accounting and reporting framework did not contemplate cryptocurrencies, US standard setters and regulators have an opportunity to proactively provide guidance on a potentially transformative issue. Given the relative similarities found among cryptocurrencies, we encourage standard setters to tackle this issue and develop an accounting framework for cryptocurrency holdings, including the costs related to “mining” efforts.
We encourage entities with material cryptocurrency holdings to provide transparent disclosures concerning the reporting of cryptocurrencies and the entity's risk exposure to such assets. If an impairment occurs and the asset is remeasured to fair value, robust fair value disclosures should be included. For entities that file with the SEC, additional non-financial statement disclosures should be considered, such as the impact of cryptocurrency holdings on capital resources and liquidity and related risk factors.
Chip Currie
Partner, National Professional Services Group, PwC US