The IFRS is a set of standards developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The IFRS governs how companies around the world prepare their financial statements. Unlike the GAAP, the IFRS does not dictate exactly how the financial statements should be prepared but only provides guidelines that harmonize the standards and make the accounting process uniform across the world. Both individual and corporate investors can analyze a company’s financial statements and make an informed decision on whether or not to invest in the company. The IFRS is used in the European Union, South America, and some parts of Asia and Africa.