Cryptocurrency and Blockchain in Accounting
Presenters : Caryn Maitland CA(SA)
Overview
In today’s digital economy, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies are redefining how transactions are recorded, verified and reported. For accounting professionals, this transformation presents new opportunities alongside complex challenges in ensuring accurate financial reporting, upholding ethical standards and managing emerging risks.
This webinar examines the key accounting, auditing and regulatory implications of digital assets, providing practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to address this rapidly evolving landscape.
Join Caryn Maitland CA(SA) as she translates cryptocurrency and blockchain concepts into practical insights for accounting professionals.
Learning objectives
By attending this webinar you will gain the following competencies:
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Understand the fundamentals of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in the context of financial reporting.
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Identify the correct accounting treatment and disclosure requirements under IFRS and IFRS for SMEs.
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Assess audit risks and determine reliable audit evidence when auditing blockchain-based transactions.
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Evaluate tax, regulatory and anti-money laundering obligations related to digital assets in South Africa.
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Apply professional ethics and governance principles when advising clients involved in cryptocurrency activities.
Content
The webinar will cover the following topics:
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Introduction to Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
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Definition and evolution of digital assets
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Key terminology: Tokens, wallets, exchanges, mining and staking
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Overview of blockchain technology.
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Accounting for Cryptocurrencies
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Recognition and measurement under IFRS (IAS 38, IAS 2, IFRS 9)
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IFRS for SMEs treatment and practical challenges
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Fair value considerations, volatility, and impairment
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Presentation and disclosure requirements
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Examples: Entity holding vs. trading crypto assets
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Auditing and Assurance Implications
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Audit risks: Existence, valuation, and ownership verification
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Blockchain as an audit evidence source
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Reliability and limitations of third-party confirmations and block explorers
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Ethical and independence implications (Code of Professional Conduct and ISAs)
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Tax and Regulatory Environment
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South African Revenue Service (SARS) treatment of crypto assets
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VAT, income tax, and capital gains tax implications
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Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) considerations
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Professional body requirements (SAICA, IRBA, and IFAC perspectives)
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Governance, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility
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Client advisory responsibilities in a high-risk, volatile market
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Ethical decision-making: Integrity, objectivity, and due care
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Responding to non-compliance (NOCLAR) and fraud risk
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The Future of Accounting in a Blockchain World
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Tokenised assets and smart contracts in financial systems
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Potential integration of blockchain into audit and accounting workflows
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Implications for future regulatory frameworks and digital reporting
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