This research investigates the perceptions of stakeholders involved in financial reporting in four emerging economies (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey) regarding the possible implementation of IFRS for SMEs, in terms of costs, benefits, and strategy of adoption. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with representatives of main stakeholders (preparers, auditors, regulators, professional bodies, and users). We find more support for IFRS for SMEs implementation in these four countries than suggested by the results of the European Commission's consultation for the European Union. Interviews reveal differences between stakeholder groups and between countries regarding the preferred implementation approach (mandatory adoption, voluntary adoption or convergence of national regulations with IFRS for SMEs). Interviews indicate the most support for the convergence approach. However, users oppose convergence and prefer the adoption of IFRS for SMEs. The convergence approach moves regulators' attention from users' needs to preparers' preferences and preparedness. This finding is relevant in the decision‐making process of national regulators, who should balance the needs of various stakeholders, but also the country's political and economic objectives.

Since 2005 European listed companies report their financial figures based on IFRSs. This paper investigates whether Hungarian listed companies comply with IFRS disclosure requirements, identifying some factors associated with the level of compliance. Although the issue of consolidation is not a new topic for Hungarian specialists, the analysis focuses on the disclosure aspects of consolidation because publishing consolidated accounts is considered still a problematic field (Fekete, 2008). Findings suggest that corporate size and industry type (more specifically being in the IT&C sector) are statistically associated with the extent of compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements. This suggest that big, high tech companies comply best to IRFS rules, possibly because they can benefit the most from them.

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