Q & A Database
The GIPS Standards Q&A database contains questions and answers (Q&As) on various searchable topics that provide additional interpretation on an issue. Q&As are considered to be authoritative guidance and must be followed in order to claim compliance with the GIPS standards.
Content from prior Q&As was included in the GIPS Standards Handbook as much as possible and many Q&As were archived. Change the Status drop-down filter to "Archived" to see the archived Q&As.
The GIPS Standards Helpdesk is available for individual questions and typically responds to inquiries within 3 business days.
Search by category, status, date range, and/or keyword.
-
Archived
Effective: 1 January, 2008 - 31 December, 2019Categories: General/MiscellaneousSource: GIPS Executive CommitteeHow should litigation income be accounted for? Should it affect performance?
The Standards do not specifically address the effects of the receipt of funds due to a litigation or bankruptcy settlement on performance. It would seem most appropriate that the settlement proceeds would be accounted for when the firm becomes aware of the timing and amount of funds expected by the portfolio. This might be upon receipt of the funds. The funds received would increase the value of the portfolio (would not be treated as a cash flow) and would thus impact the current performance of the portfolio. This assumes that the portfolio was under the firm’s management at the time the litigation event occurred. If the litigation event occurred before the firm began managing the account the litigation income should be reflected as a cash flow as the firm is not entitled to the benefit of the receipt of the income.
Please also see updated Q&A