LKAS 32 and LKAS 39 give detailed descriptions of the accounting treatment and presentation of financial instruments, with an implementation date of 1 January 2012. The application of these two standards consistently in organisations will be a major challenge for both the management of the organisation (in terms of reporting) as well as the regulators (in terms of monitoring), and a clear understanding of the standard is imperative to enable a relatively seamless transition.
"An instrument is classified as liability or equity based on the substance of the contractual arrangement rather than its legal form."