FASB Seeks Feedback on Treating Certain Digital Assets as Cash Equivalents

The U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released a proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU) on Aug. 18, 2026, aimed at clarifying how the existing definition of "cash equivalents" applies to certain digital assets, including stablecoins, and at strengthening disclosure transparency around major components of cash equivalents. Comments are due by Nov. 19, 2026. FASB said feedback from its 2025 Agenda Consultation and other outreach indicated ongoing uncertainty over whether some digital assets, such as stablecoins, meet the current Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) definition of cash equivalents, contributing to inconsistent practice. The proposal would add illustrative examples intended to support more consistent application and improve comparability among entities that choose to classify eligible digital assets as cash equivalents. FASB emphasized that the update would not change the current definition of "cash equivalents." In addition, the proposed ASU would require all entities that classify assets as cash equivalents—whether or not digital assets are included—to expand disclosures about significant components of cash equivalents and related amounts, with the goal of providing investors and other financial statement users with clearer information. The proposed ASU and instructions for submitting comments are available on the FASB website.