Background. Globalization The cause of diversity Regulation. -- Country studies. Britain The USA France Germany Japan The European Union. -- The International Accounting Standards Board. The global rule-makers The IASB: its origins and structure The IASB: standards The IASB: framework The anatomy of international accounting standards: IAS 1. -- The financial statements. The balance sheet I: assets The balance sheet II: liabilities and equity The income statement The cash flow statement The consolidated accounts. -- Issues. Intangible assets Foreign currency translation Financial instruments Global disclosure.