Insights from the NHF Conference with our partner MUFG: Navigating FRS 102 and IFRS 16

We recently spent a few great days in Liverpool for the National Housing Federation (NHF) Conference on March 25th and 26th. As MUFG Corporate Markets’ dedicated technology partner, we showed how our combined expertise helps organisations get a handle on lease accounting compliance and financial control. 

FRS 102 and IFRS 16: Quality conversations on complex topics

We had some really good engagement at our stand throughout the conference. It was great to have in-depth conversations with people who brought some very specific and challenging cases to the table. The questions we got, ranging from the specific details of FRS 102 to the practical challenges of lease accounting, confirmed that there’s a strong interest in finding specialized technology that actually solves these problems.

"It was a pleasure to collaborate with the House of Control team in Liverpool. Combining our advisory expertise with a purpose-built technology platform is exactly what organisations need to navigate the complexities of FRS 102 and IFRS 16 effectively," says Darrell Slevin, Director – Head of Asset Finance Advisory at MUFG Pension & Market Services.

Read more: FRS 102 Section 20: Why spreadsheets break – and how to get it right.

Expert insights from our presentation: Don't wait until the last minute

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation about FRS 102 delivered by our own Karl Oscar Rosli, Lease Accounting Expert and Product Marketing Manager, and Darrell Slevin at MUFG.

With around 120 people in attendance, it was clear that getting lease accounting right is a priority for many. Karl Oscar and Darrell shared critical strategies for managing lease accounting transitions.

The session focused on three essential "key takeaways" for any organisation:

• Start early: Compliance is a marathon. Starting the data collection and evaluation process early is the only way to avoid the last-minute "compliance crunch."
  
  
• Choose a purpose-built system: Generic spreadsheets or modules are often insufficient. Success relies on implementing a system specifically designed for FRS 102 lease accounting to ensure data integrity and auditability.
  
  
• Involve the whole organisation: This isn't just an accounting task. It’s vital to delegate responsibility and prepare the whole team for the fact that their daily workflows and roles will evolve as the system is implemented. 

A strong team presence with MUFG

It was great to have Karl Oscar with us at the conference. As our product expert on IFRS 16 and FRS 102, he spent much of the time diving into the details with people at the stand and answering the more technical questions.

Our Head of Partner Development, Einar Gynnild, and Partner Development Manager, Sturla Fjose, also joined us for the event. Having them there was a great way to strengthen our partnership with MUFG, ensuring that our collaboration remains seamless and focused on delivering maximum value to our shared clients.

"The NHF Conference was about showing how our expertise and software are supported by a strong partnership with MUFG. We left Liverpool feeling inspired and closer to our partners than ever,” says Einar.

Read more: FRS 102: Lease disclosure checklist for the 2026 amendments.

Strengthening the partnership outside the conference hall

The trip was a fantastic chance to catch up and build our relationship with the team from MUFG. It was great to see a bit of Liverpool while we were there, and a real highlight was when our partners treated us to a visit to The Cavern Club – the iconic spot where The Beatles first started out.

A big thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand for a chat. We look forward to continuing these conversations and helping more organisations navigate the complexities of lease accounting.