IFRS Foundation Approves Five-Year Plan as ISSB Prepares Geneva Seat

IFRS Foundation Trustees have approved a five-year operating and financing plan through 2031 covering standard setting, global adoption and resources for the IASB and ISSB. A Geneva office is planned for 2027 as the ISSB's principal location.

The IASB develops IFRS Accounting Standards and the ISSB develops investor-focused sustainability disclosure standards. The Foundation says more than 45 jurisdictions are adopting or progressing ISSB Standards.

Global standards require stable funding, geographic representation and technical support. Different adoption speeds also create long-term work around translation, capacity building, digital taxonomies and local law.

The plan positions Geneva as the ISSB's principal location alongside offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Montreal and Tokyo. Trustees have also proposed moving both boards to ten members each by 2028.

More than 45 jurisdictions, 18 expected to begin reporting by 2027, and the governance changes come from the Foundation and source report. Board size remains a proposal, with consultation expected to run until November 16, 2026.

Governance and financing affect standard maintenance, adoption support and market trust. Geneva may also strengthen links between the ISSB, international organisations and regional standard-setting ecosystems.

SNN editorial analysis: Publication is only the first layer. Comparability requires continuing links among jurisdictional adoption texts, transition periods, digital tags, company evidence and assurance results.

Next checks should cover the full five-year plan, funding sources, consultation outcomes, opening of the Geneva office and the gap between announced adoption and actual reporting.