BP (BP)

Adjustments required to the balance sheet as at January 1, 2005 for the adoption of IAS 32 and IAS 39

Under UK GAAP, all derivatives used for trading purposes are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value.  However, derivative financial instruments used for hedging purposes are recognized by applying either the accrual method or the deferral method.  Under the accrual method, amounts payable or receivable in respect of derivatives are recognized ratably in earnings over the period of the contracts.  Changes in the derivative’s fair value are not recognized.  On the deferral method, gains and losses from derivatives are deferred and recognized in earnings or as adjustments to carrying amounts as the underlying hedged transaction matures or occurs.

For IFRS, all financial assets and financial liabilities have to be recognized initially at fair value.  In subsequent periods the measurement of these financial instruments depends on their classification into one of the following measurement categories: i) financial assets or financial liabilities at-fair-value-through-profit-and-loss (such as those used for trading purposes, and all derivatives which do not qualify for hedge accounting); ii) loans and receivables; and iii) available-for-sale financial assets (including certain investments held for the long term).