eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)

ESG
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October 4, 2023

XBRL, which stands for eXtensible Business Reporting Language, is an open international standard for digital business reporting. It's a language based on XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and is used to communicate financial and business data in a standardized format. Here's a deeper look at XBRL:

  1. Purpose: XBRL is primarily used for the electronic communication of financial and business data. Its standardization allows for the efficient and accurate transmission, interpretation, and analysis of complex financial information.
  2. Structured Data: Unlike a typical PDF or Word document where financial information is presented in a static manner, XBRL provides a dynamic structure. Each piece of financial data is assigned a unique tag, making it easily searchable and comparable across various datasets.
  3. Taxonomies: In the context of XBRL, taxonomies are predefined classifications that provide a specific set of reporting concepts. Different sectors or regulatory bodies might have their own taxonomies, ensuring that the reported data is relevant and standardized for that specific industry or jurisdiction.
  4. Benefits:
  5. Interoperability: Data in XBRL format can be easily shared and exchanged between different systems and platforms.
  6. Automation: The standardized nature of XBRL allows for the automation of data collection, thereby reducing manual entry and associated errors.
  7. Accuracy: XBRL can enhance the precision and reliability of financial data reporting.
  8. Efficiency: Analysts, investors, and regulators can quickly extract specific data points and compare them, making analysis more efficient.
  9. Usage: XBRL is widely used by regulatory bodies around the world to streamline the collection and analysis of financial data. For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires certain filings to be submitted in XBRL format.
  10. Flexibility: Being "extensible," XBRL allows organizations to adapt its standard framework to meet specific business reporting requirements, ensuring it remains relevant across different sectors and regions.

In summary, XBRL is a digital language for financial reporting that enhances the transparency, accuracy, and efficiency of business data. Its standardized structure enables better analysis and decision-making by various stakeholders, including analysts, investors, and regulators.

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