Glossary

The accounting currency is the monetary unit used by a firm to record its transactions and to present its financial statements. The accounting currency is also known as the reporting currency or presentation currency. In most cases, the accounting currency is also the firm’s ‘functional currency’, i.e. the currency in which it primarily generates and expends its cash.A company can decide to present its financial statements in a currency different from its functional currency, for example when preparing a consolidated report for its parent in a foreign country. While a company can choose its accounting currency, it cannot change its functional currency.

Accounts payable are liabilities arising from the purchase of merchandise, supplies, and services on credit. Accounts payable require the company to make payment in the future. They are typically registered on the balance sheet when the firm receives an invoice. Accounts payable generally do not call for interest payments.Together with accounts receivable, accounts payable are the key input when a firm hedges balance sheet items in Micro Hedging Programs.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) defines an authorised payment institution as a person authorised as a payment institution under the Payment Services Regulations and included in the Financial Services register to that effect.The Financial Conduct Authority is the regulator of the more than 50,000 firms offering financial services in the UK, including cross-border payment providers, to ensure that markets work efficiently for business and individuals and are honest, fair and effective towards consumers.