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Significant accounting policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies  
3. Significant accounting policies

(a)       Revenue recognition

 

 Revenue is comprised of subscription and services, interest revenue and loan fees from our legacy short-term loan products, which were phased out in the third quarter of 2018.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenue was recognized under IAS 18, Revenue. The Company recognized interest income, loan fees, nonsufficient funds fees, and any other fees or charges permitted by applicable laws and pursuant to the agreement with the borrower. For short-term loans that the Company offered, loan fees were recognized when assessed to the customer. For line of credit accounts, interest was recognized during the period based upon the balance outstanding and the contractual interest rate, and fees were recognized when assessed to the customer. For installment loans, revenue was recognized on an effective interest basis over the term of the loan and fees were recognized when assessed to the customer. Non-sufficient funds fees were recognized when the underlying transactions had been completed and collection was reasonably assured. Mortgage brokerage commissions were recognized once the mortgage was funded by the third-party lender. Revenue from MogoSpend and MogoProtect were recognized when services were rendered. We recorded revenue on a net basis for those sales in which we had in substance acted as an agent or broker in the transaction.

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, and supersedes IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and IAS 18, Revenue, as well as various International Financial Reporting Interpretative Committee (“IFRIC”) and Standards Interpretations Committee (“SIC”) interpretations regarding revenue. The adoption of this standard did not have any significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 the Company recognizes interest revenue, loan fees, nonsufficient funds fees, and any other fees or charges permitted by applicable laws and pursuant to the agreement with the borrower. We record revenue on a net basis for those sales in which we have in substance acted as an agent or broker in the transaction.

 

Subscription and services is comprised of MogoProtect subscriptions, MogoSpend revenue, MogoMortgage brokerage commissions, premium account revenues, loan protection premiums, MogoCrypto revenue, Bitcoin mining revenue, and other fees and charges. Subscription and services revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with customers. The Company recognizes revenue when control of the services are transferred to the customer.

 

Interest revenue represents interest on our long-term loan products. Our long-term loans fall into two categories: line of credit accounts and installment loans. For line of credit accounts, interest is recognized on an effective interest basis during the period, and fees are recognized when assessed to the customer. For installment loans, revenue is recognized on an effective interest basis over the term of the loan and fees are recognized when assessed to the customer.

 

In 2018, the Company, through a third-party hosting agreement, joined a Bitcoin mining pool that provided transaction verification services on the Bitcoin network. As there is no definitive guidance in IFRS for the accounting of digital currency mining activities, management has exercised judgement in determining this accounting treatment for the recognition of revenue from Bitcoin mining. The Company received Bitcoin as compensation for these services, which are recognized as revenue and measured at fair value (“FV”) according to the spot price at the time they were mined. Bitcoin is considered earned upon the addition of a block to the Bitcoin blockchain at which time the economic benefit is received and can be reliably measured. The Company ceased its Bitcoin operation in June 2019.

 

For legacy short-term loans that the Company offered during 2017 and 2018, loan fees were recognized when assessed to the customer.

 

(b)        Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists of provision for loan losses and transaction costs. Transaction costs are expenses that relate directly to the acquisition and processing of new customers (excluding marketing) and include expenses such as credit scoring fees, loan system transaction fees, and certain fees related to the MogoSpend and MogoProtect programs.

 

(c)       Financial instruments

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, financial instruments were within the scope of IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Financial assets and liabilities were recognized when the Company became a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets were derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets had expired or had been transferred and the Company had transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities were derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract was discharged, cancelled or expired.

 

All financial instruments were measured at fair value on initial recognition. Measurement in subsequent periods depended on the instrument’s classification. The Company had implemented the following classifications:

 

Cash consisted of cash on hand and demand deposits.

 

Loans receivable were classified as “loans and receivables” and were initially recognized at fair value. Loans receivable were subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for loan losses.

 

Accounts payable and accruals, deferred revenue, credit facilities, debentures, and convertible debentures were classified as “other financial liabilities” and were initially recorded at fair value, net of any transaction costs incurred. Subsequently, these items were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

 

Derivative financial liabilities were classified as “financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” and were initially and subsequently measured at fair value. The changes in fair value were recorded as a gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Financial assets were assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there was any objective evidence that they were impaired. A financial asset was considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicated that one or more events had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. An impairment loss was calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at their original effective interest rate.

 

The allowance for loan losses was a provision that was netted against gross loans receivable on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position. The allowance for loan losses provided for a portion of future charge offs that had not yet occurred within the portfolio of loans receivable that existed at the reporting date. It was determined by the Company using a standard calculation that considered i) the relative maturity of the loans within the portfolio, ii) the long-term expected charge off rates based on actual historical performance and iii) the long-term expected charge off pattern (timing) for a vintage of loans over their life based on actual historical performance. The allowance for loan losses essentially estimated the charge offs that were expected to occur over the subsequent six-month period for loans that existed as of the statement of financial position date. Loan balances which were delinquent greater than 180 days were written off against the allowance for loan losses.

 

Impairment losses were recognized in consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. An impairment loss was reversed if the reversal could be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized.

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, which replaces IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. This standard establishes new measurement categories for classifying financial assets, and new guidance in relation to impairment and hedge accounting. The new hedge accounting requirements have no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred, and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. 

 

Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities

 

At initial recognition, the Company measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, and in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss. Financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and are classified as amortized cost or as fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is classified as held-for trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition.

 

The Company classifies its financial assets between those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income, or through profit or loss), and those to be measured at amortized cost. Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Company changes its business model for managing financial assets in which case all affected financial assets are reclassified on the first day of the first reporting period following the change in the business model.

 

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as FVTPL:

 

  it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
     
  its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

A debt investment is measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

  

  it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and
     
  its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

 

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL.

 

Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognized in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense is recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also recognized in profit or loss.

 

The Company’s financial instruments measured at amortized cost include cash and cash equivalents, loans receivable, accounts payable and accruals, credit facilities, debentures, and convertible debentures.

 

The Company’s financial instruments measured at FVTPL include the investment portfolio and derivative instruments.

 

Realized gains or losses on the disposal of investments are determined based on the weighted average cost. Unrealized gains or losses on investments derivative instruments are determined based on the change in fair value at each reporting period. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.

 

Impairment of financial assets

 

Expected credit loss model

 

The expected credit loss (“ECL”) model is a three-stage impairment approach used to measure the allowance for loan losses on loans receivable at each reporting period date. Loans are classified under one of three stages based on changes in credit quality since initial recognition. Stage 1 loans consist of performing loans that have not had a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. Loans that have experienced a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition are classified as Stage 2, and loans considered to be credit-impaired are classified as Stage 3. The Company routinely refinances its existing customers, and accordingly, does not consider a modification to be an indicator of increased credit risk. The allowance for loan losses on both Stage 2 and Stage 3 loans is measured at lifetime ECLs. The allowance for loan losses on Stage 1 loans is measured at an amount equal to 12-month ECLs, representing the portion of lifetime ECLs expected to result from default events possible within 12 months of the reporting date.

 

Assessment of significant increase in credit risk

 

Significant increases in credit risk are assessed based on changes in probability of default of loans receivable subsequent to initial recognition. The Company uses past due information to determine whether credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition. Loans receivable are considered to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk and are reclassified to Stage 2 if a contractual payment is more than 30 days past due as at the reporting date.

 

The Company defines default as the earlier of when a contractual loan payment is more than 90 days past due or when a loan becomes insolvent as a result of customer bankruptcy. Loans that have experienced a default event are considered to be credit-impaired and are reclassified as Stage 3 loans.

 

Measurement of expected credit losses

 

ECLs are measured as the calculated expected value of cash shortfalls over the remaining life of a loan receivable, using a probability-weighted approach that reflects reasonable and supportable information about historical loss rates, post-charge off recoveries, current conditions and forward-looking indicators such as bank rates and unemployment rates. The measurement of ECLs primarily involves using this information to determine both the expected probability of a default event occurring and expected losses resulting from such default events. Loans are grouped according to product type, customer tenure and aging for the purpose of assessing ECLs. Historical loss rates and probability weights are re-assessed quarterly and subject to management review.

 

(d)       Property and equipment

 

All property and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. When parts of an item of property and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property and equipment.

 

All assets having limited useful lives are depreciated using the declining balance method at rates intended to depreciate the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives except leasehold improvements, which are depreciated straight line over the term of lease.

 

The depreciation rate for each class of asset during the current and comparative period are as follows:

 

  Rate
Computer equipment 30%
Computer equipment – Bitcoin rigs 75%
Furniture and fixtures 20%
Leasehold improvements Term of lease

 

The useful lives of items of property and equipment are reviewed periodically, and the useful life is altered if estimates have changed significantly.

 

(e)        Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Intangible assets include both internally generated and acquired software with finite useful lives. Internally generated software costs primarily consist of salaries and payroll-related costs for employees directly involved in the development efforts and fees paid to outside consultants. Amortization is recorded at rates intended to amortize the cost of the intangible assets over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

  Rate
Software - Internally generated 5 years straight line
Software - Acquired 30% declining balance

 

Development costs, including those related to the development of software, are recognized as an intangible asset when the Company can demonstrate:

  

  the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;
  its intention to complete and its ability to use or sell the asset;
  how the asset will generate future economic benefits;
  the availability of resources to complete the asset; and
  the ability to measure reliably the expenditure during development.

 

Following initial recognition of the development expenditure as an asset, the cost model is applied requiring the asset to be carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Amortization of the asset begins when development is complete, and the asset is available for use. During the period of development, the asset is tested for impairment annually.

 

Impairment of non-financial assets

 

At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating units (“CGU”) to which the asset belongs. Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual CGU’s, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of CGU’s for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified. The Company has identified its intangible asset, the digital platform, as one CGU for the purpose of assessing impairment as synergies are realized between its digital products such that the products cannot be considered in insolation. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment at least annually, and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

 

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, such that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

(f)       Foreign currencies

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the foreign currency rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency of the Company at the rates prevailing on the reporting date. The Company has no subsidiaries or foreign operations with a functional currency other than Canadian dollars.

 

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the date of the reporting period.

 

(g)       Income taxes

 

Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred tax. Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

 

Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

 

(h)       Investment tax credits

 

The benefits of investment tax credits for scientific research and development expenditures are recognized in the year the qualifying expenditure is made, providing there is reasonable assurance of recovery.

 

(i)       Sales tax

 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of sales tax except where the sales tax incurred on a purchase of assets or services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the sales tax is recognized as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item as applicable. The net amount of sales tax recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of amounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

(j)       Provisions

 

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation that is the result of a past event, when it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects the risk specific to the obligation.

 

(k)        Earnings per share

 

The computation of earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed in a similar way to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares assuming the exercise of share options or warrants, or conversion of convertible debentures, if dilutive.

 

(l)       Share-based payments

 

The Company measures equity settled stock options granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants based on their fair value at the grant date and recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period. Measurement inputs include the Company’s share price on the measurement date, the exercise price of the option or warrant, the expected volatility of the Company’s shares, the expected life of the options or warrants, and the risk-free rate of return. Dividends are not factored in as the Company does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Expected forfeitures are estimated at the date of grant and subsequently adjusted if further information indicates actual forfeitures may vary from the original estimate.

 

For each restricted share unit (“RSU”) granted to directors, officers and employees, compensation expense is recognized equal to the market value of one common share at the date of grant based on the number of RSUs expected to vest, recognized over the term of the vesting period, with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus.

 

Share-based payment arrangements with non-employees in which the Company receives goods or services as consideration for its own equity instruments are accounted for as equity-settled share-based payments transactions. The share-based payments are measured based on the fair value of the goods or services received if the fair value can be reliably measured. Otherwise, the share-based payments are measured based on the fair value of the share-based awards using the expected life, risk free interest rate, volatility, and fair value of the underlying equity instrument at the time the goods or services are received.

 

For each restricted share unit (“RSU”) granted, compensation expense is recognized equal to the market value of one common share at the date of grant based on the number of RSUs expected to vest, recognized over the term of the vesting period, with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus.

 

(m)       Business combination

 

The Company uses acquisition method of accounting for its business combination. The consideration transferred in the acquisition is generally measured at fair value, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. Any gain on purchase is recognized in profit or loss immediately. Transaction cost are expenses as incurred, except if related to the issue of debt or equity securities. The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationship. Such amounts are generally recognized in statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Share-based payment awards (replacement awards) are required to be exchanged for awards held by acquiree’s employees, then all or a portion of the amount of the acquirer’s replacement awards is included in measuring the consideration transferred in the business combination. This determination is based on the market-based measure of the replacement awards compared with the market based measure of the acquiree’s awards and the extent to which the replacement awards related to pre-acquisition services.

 

(n)       Cash and cash equivalent

 

Cash and cash equivalent in the statement of financial position comprise cash at banks and on hand and short-term highly liquid deposits with a maturity of three months or less, that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term deposits, as defined above.

 

(o)        Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

Estimates, assumptions, and judgments are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized on a prospective basis beginning from the period in which they are revised.

 

Significant accounting judgements

 

The following are the critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations that have been made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Capitalization of intangible assets

 

In applying its accounting policy for costs incurred during the development phase for new software, the Company must determine whether the criteria for capitalization have been met. The most difficult and subjective estimate is whether a project will generate probable future economic benefits. Management considers all appropriate facts and circumstances in making this assessment including historical experience, costs and anticipated future economic conditions.

 

Expected credits losses

 

In applying its accounting policy for the expected credit loss model the Company applies judgment in defining significant increase in credit losses, defaults, and its write-offs policy. Refer to note 5 for further details.

 

Significant accounting estimates and assumptions

 

These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s historical experience, best knowledge of current events, conditions and actions that the Company may undertake in the future and other factors that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances.

 

These estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effect of a change in accounting estimate or assumption is recognized prospectively by including it in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss in the period of the change and in any future periods affected.

 

The areas where estimates and assumptions have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements include the following:

 

(i)        Useful life of property and equipment and intangible assets and asset impairment

 

Estimated useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets are based on management’s judgment and experience.

 

When management identifies that the actual useful lives for these assets differ materially from the estimates used to calculate depreciation and amortization, that change is adjusted prospectively. Due to the significant investment in intangible assets by the Company, variations between actual and estimated useful lives could impact operating results both positively and negatively. Asset lives, depreciation and amortization methods, and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting period.

 

The Company at the end of each reporting period assesses the recoverability of values assigned to property and equipment and intangible assets after considering potential impairment indicated by such factors as significant changes in technological, market, economic or legal environment, business and market trends, future prospects, current market value and other economic factors. If there is any indication in performing its review of recoverability, management estimates either the value in use or fair value less costs to sell.

 

(ii)       Allowance for loan losses

 

Our provision for loan losses consists of amounts charged to the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss during the period to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. Our allowance for loan losses represents our estimate of the expected credit losses inherent in our existing loan portfolio and is based on a variety of factors, including the composition and quality of the portfolio, loan-specific information gathered through our collection efforts, delinquency levels, our historical charge-off and loss experience, our expectations of future loan performance, and general forward-looking macroeconomic conditions. The methodology and assumptions used in setting the loan loss allowance are reviewed regularly to reduce any difference between loss estimates and actual loss experience.

 

(iii)       Fair value of share-based payments

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of equity-settled stock options. Management exercises judgment in determining certain inputs to this model including the expected life of the options, expected volatility and forfeiture rates, and expected dividend yield. Variation in actual results for any of these inputs will result in a different fair value of the stock option as compared to the original estimate.

 

(iv)       Fair value of privately held investments

 

Estimating fair value requires that significant judgment be applied to each individual investment. For privately held investments, the fair value of each investment is measured using the most appropriate valuation methodology or combination of methodologies in the judgment of management in light of the specific nature, facts and circumstances surrounding that investment. This may take into consideration, but not be limited to, one or more of the following: valuations of recent or in-progress funding rounds, forward revenue and earnings projections, comparable peer valuation multiples, and the initial cost base of the investment. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

 

(p)       New and amended standards and interpretations

 

Commencing January 1, 2019, the Company applied for the first time, IFRS 16, Leases. The nature and effect of the changes as a result of adoption of this new accounting standard is described below.

 

 Certain other IFRS amendments and interpretations became effective on January 1, 2019, but do not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company has not adopted any standards or interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective.

 

 Summary of IFRS 16 adoption with new accounting policies and significant judgments:

 

(i)       IFRS 16, Leases

 

IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, and other related Standard Interpretations Committee (“SIC”) interpretations. The standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for most leases under a single on-balance sheet model.

 

Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is substantially unchanged from IAS 17. The lessor will continue to classify any leases as either an operating or finance lease using similar principles as IAS 17. Therefore, IFRS 16 did not have any material impacts for leases where the Company is the lessor.

 

On adoption of IFRS 16, the Company recognised lease liabilities in relation to property leases, which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principal of IAS 17. As of January 1, 2019, these liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments discounted at 6%, which reflects the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate to finance the purchase of similar property. The Company has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach, whereby the cumulative effect of adopting IFRS 16, if any, is recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings as at January 1, 2019, with no restatement of comparative information. Under this method, using the practical expedient available the Company has recognized the right of use assets equal to the lease liabilities less any lease incentives received.

 

The lease liabilities as at January 1, 2019 can be reconciled to the operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2018 as follows:

  

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at December 31, 2018     2,362  
Less: operating costs     (872 )
Lease component     1,490  
         
Incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019     6.0 %
Discounted operating lease commitments at January 1, 2019     1,372  
Add:        
Lease liabilities recognized as at the date of initial application     3,322  
Lease liabilities recognized as at January 1, 2019     4,694  

 

The additional $3,322 of lease liabilities recognized represent lease payments arising from lease extension options for which the Company has no contractual commitment to exercise but is reasonably certain to do so.

 

The right-of-use assets associated with these property leases were initially measured at the amount equal to the lease liabilities, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to those leases recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2018.

 

Practical expedients applied

 

In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Company has used the following practical expedients permitted by the Standard:

  

  - the use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
  - reliance on previous assessments on whether leases are onerous;
  - the accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at January 1, 2019 as short-term leases; and
  - the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.

 

The Company has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease at the date of initial application. Instead, for contracts entered into before the transition date the Company relied on its assessments previously made in applying IAS 17 and IFRIC 4.

 

Based on the foregoing, as at January 1, 2019:

  

  - Right-of-use assets of $4,352 were recognized and presented separately in the consolidated statement of financial position.
  - Lease liabilities of $4,694 were recognized and presented separately in the consolidated statement of financial position.
  - Lease inducements of $223 related to previous operating leases were derecognized.

 

Summary of new accounting policies

 

The Company has adopted the following new accounting policies upon implementation of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019:

 

Right-of-use assets

 

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any re-measurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct cost incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right-of-use assets are subject to evaluation of potential impairment.

 

Lease liabilities

 

The Company recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. The lease payment includes fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) . Variable payments are recorded in general and administration expenses as incurred.

 

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is re-measured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term or a change in the in-substance fixed lease payments.

 

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

 

The Company applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of properties (i.e., those leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment that are considered of low value (i.e., below $5,000). Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expenses in the period incurred.

 

Summary of new significant judgments

 

Determining the lease term of contracts with renewal options

 

The Company determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

 

The Company has the option, under some of its agreements to lease the assets for additional terms of one to ten years. The Company applies judgment in evaluating whether it is reasonably certain to exercise the option to renew, including the consideration of all relevant factors that create an economic incentive to exercise the renewal option. After the commencement date, the Company reassesses the lease term if there is a significant event or change in circumstances that is within its control and affects its ability to exercise the option to renew. The Company included the renewal period as part of the lease term for substantially all its property leases due to the significance of these assets to its operations.