The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) have established a joint User Advisory Group (UAG), creating a dedicated channel for users of financial statements and other external reporting to directly inform global standard setting.

The UAG represents a step forward in how user perspectives are brought into the standard-setting process – moving from consultation to more continuous, structured dialogue. Through the UAG, users will provide timely, practical input on the IAASB’s and IESBA’s priorities, projects, and broader initiatives, helping to ensure that standards remain relevant, decision-useful, and responsive to evolving market needs.

“High‑quality global standards depend on our ability to listen carefully to those who rely on them every day. We are delighted to establish this joint group, a key milestone that brings us closer to users and firmly grounds our work in their lived experience and expectations,” said Gabriela Figueiredo Dias and Tom Seidenstein, Chairs of the IESBA and IAASB, respectively. “Through this ongoing exchange, we are better positioned to understand the real‑world implications of our standards and ensure they serve the public interest.”

This shift is already underway. The UAG held its inaugural meeting on April 2, 2026, bringing together a globally diverse group of users with a wide range of perspectives and experience. Discussions focused on how the group will engage in practice and shaping input on key IAASB and IESBA projects. The UAG is expected to meet periodically throughout the year, providing an ongoing forum for user insight and dialogue.

Additional information about the UAG, including membership and its Terms of Reference, is available online.

About IAASB and IESBA
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board^© and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^© are part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA)^©, a nonprofit organization that supports high-quality, international ethics, audit, and assurance standards in the public interest. The IAASB and IESBA develop and issue their standards independently and in accordance with an approved due process and the Public Interest Framework, overseen by the Public Interest Oversight Board.

The IAASB develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements.

The IESBA is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting high-quality, international ethics (including independence) standards as a cornerstone to ethical behavior in business and organizations, and to public trust in financial and non-financial information that is fundamental to the proper functioning and sustainability of organizations, financial markets and economies worldwide.

The Public Interest Oversight Board’s (PIOB) Standard-Setting Boards Nominations Committee is now accepting applications for three practitioner vacancies on the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), with terms beginning January 1, 2027. The application window remains open until May 3, 2026.

Serving as a member of the IAASB is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to help shape global auditing and assurance standards in the public interest. These vacancies are for individuals who meet the Monitoring Group’s definition of a practitioner—those currently or recently affiliated with a public accounting firm within the last four years.

The PIOB seeks candidates with strong technical expertise and practical experience to support the IAASB’s delivery of its 2024–2027 Strategy and Work Plan and to help frame its 2028–2030 Strategy and Work Plan. In particular, candidates with experience in areas such as the application and implementation of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), insights into network firm methodologies across jurisdictions, and knowledge of emerging topics—including technology and quality management—are encouraged to apply.

IAASB members play an increasingly strategic role within the IAASB’s multi-stakeholder composition of sixteen members. Supported by an expanded and enhanced technical staff, IAASB members help guide the development of relevant, timely, and high-quality international standards that strengthen trust and confidence in financial reporting worldwide.

In addition, the PIOB has issued an Invitation for Application for three vacancies on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)—including one practitioner and two non-practitioner roles—providing experienced professionals a chance to contribute to IESBA’s strategic development of ethics and independence standards in the public interest.

For more details on the nomination process, visit the PIOB’s nominations web page or contact SSBNominations@ipiob.org.

About the IAASB
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements. Along with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, the IAASB is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees IAASB and IESBA activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards. For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please visit Permissions

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) welcome the appointment of Emily Fitts as the new Chair of the Monitoring Group. The Monitoring Group is a group of international financial institutions and regulatory bodies committed to advancing the public interest in areas related to international audit standard setting and audit quality.

Commenting on Ms. Fitts’ appointment, Gabriela Figueiredo Dias and Tom Seidenstein, Chairs of the IESBA and IAASB respectively, said: 

“We are pleased to welcome Emily Fitts as the new Chair of the Monitoring Group. Her extensive experience in public accounting and public service, including her leadership on international audit and standard-setting matters at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, brings valuable insight to this important role. 

“The Monitoring Group plays a vital role in supporting the credibility and effectiveness of the international audit, assurance, ethics, and independence standard-setting system. We are confident that under Ms. Fitts’ leadership, the Monitoring Group will continue to advance high-quality global standards that serve investors and the broader public interest. 

“We look forward to working closely with Ms. Fitts and continuing our strong engagement with the Monitoring Group. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that international standards evolve in step with the needs of global markets and stakeholders. 

“We also thank Ryan Wolfe for his leadership and contributions during his tenure as Chair.” 

Note for Editors
Monitoring Group Members: The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, European Commission, Financial Stability Board, International Association of Insurance Supervisors, International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators, International Organization of Securities Commissions, and the World Bank

About IAASB and IESBA 
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants are part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA), a nonprofit organization that supports high-quality, international ethics, audit, and assurance standards in the public interest. The IAASB and IESBA develop and issue their standards independently and in accordance with an approved due process and the Public Interest Framework, overseen by the Public Interest Oversight Board. 

The IAASB develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements. 

The IESBA is an independent global standard-setting board that serves the public interest by developing high-quality international ethics and independence standards. These standards promote ethical behavior in business and strengthen public trust in financial and non-financial information, which is essential for the effective functioning and long-term sustainability of organizations, markets, and economies worldwide. 

The IAASB and IESBA develop and issue their standards independently and in accordance with an approved due process and the Public Interest Framework, overseen by the Public Interest Oversight Board. 

For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please visit Permissions. 

Professional skepticism is fundamental to a high-quality audit. It is not a single step; it is a mindset maintained throughout the audit.

In this short video, the IAASB highlights the importance of pausing to critically assess audit evidence, challenge assumptions, and remain alert to conditions that may indicate possible material misstatement due to fraud or error.

Through a series of reflective prompts, The Skeptic’s Pause encourages auditors to consider whether they have obtained sufficiently persuasive evidence, addressed higher assessed risks appropriately, and remained mindful of potential bias.

Watch the video and reflect on how maintaining professional skepticism strengthens audit quality and supports the public interest.

Expected publication Date: 2026-04-30

Expected publication Date: 2026-09-01