ISSA 5000 in Focus: Webinar Series for Sustainability Assurance Engagements

The IAASB has released two new resources to further support jurisdictions and stakeholders in adopting and implementing the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements.

1. Extracts from ISSA 5000 for Limited and Reasonable Assurance Engagements

In response to stakeholder requests, the IAASB has prepared reference extracts containing only the material in ISSA 5000 relevant to limited assurance engagements and, separately, reasonable assurance engagements. These extracts are designed to help regulators, standard setters, and other stakeholders more easily identify the requirements and application material most relevant to their jurisdictional decisions. They do not amend or override ISSA 5000, the authoritative text of which remains the full standard.

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document on ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410

The IAASB has published FAQs clarifying that, for jurisdictions adopting IAASB standards, ISAE 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410 will no longer apply to sustainability assurance engagements once ISSA 5000 becomes effective in December 2026. These FAQs aim to support a smooth transition and consistent application of the new standard.

In addition, the IAASB has updated the adoption information on its website, reflecting the growing global momentum toward adoption of ISSA 5000.

Together with previously published materials, these publications underscore the IAASB’s commitment to supporting adoption and implementation of ISSA 5000 and fostering high-quality, globally consistent sustainability assurance practices.

Access the extracts, FAQs, and adoption information, as well as previously published materials, on the IAASB website here.

This Frequently Asked Questions document addresses the applicability of ISSA 5000, ISAE 3000 (Revised), and ISAE 3410 for sustainability assurance engagement after the effective date of ISSA 5000 (December 2026). It is intended to assist with adoption and consistent implementation of ISSA 5000.

These extracts of the ISSA 5000 feature the material that is relevant to limited assurance and reasonable assurance engagements. They were prepared in response to requests from stakeholders to be able to separately view the material.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released a new non-authoritative publication—How the IAASB’s Revised Going Concern and Fraud Standards Reinforce Professional Skepticism—to assist stakeholders in understanding how the revisions to ISA 570 (Revised 2024) and ISA 240 (Revised) strengthen the consistent application of professional skepticism throughout the audit.

This publication, developed with input from the IAASB’s Professional Skepticism Consultation Group, highlights key enhancements to both standards reflecting the IAASB’s efforts to reinforce professional skepticism by addressing, among other matters, how auditors are expected to maintain a questioning mindset, consider contradictory evidence, and appropriately challenge management assumptions.

The revised standards are effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2026.

This non-authoritative publication is intended to assist in the adoption and implementation of the recently issued ISA 570 (Revised 2024) on going concern and ISA 240 (Revised) on fraud by highlighting the IAASB’s efforts to reinforce professional skepticism within the revisions of both standards.

In this eNews you will find:

•    Updates from our June meeting
•    Our plans for Q3 2025
•    Our plans to support the adoption and implementation of our standards
•    Feedback submission form for our Technology Catalog
•    Information about IFEA's Staff Fellows Program
•    Key dates for this quarter

Updates from Our June Meeting

During our June 2025 meeting, we approved:

• Narrow scope amendments to the ISQMs, ISAs and ISRE 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements, from our listed entity and public interest entity Track 2 project. The narrow scope amendments will be effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2026.
• A project proposal to revise ISRE 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity.

We also discussed the following projects, where technology is a significant strategic driver:

• Audit Evidence and Risk Response (Project Stage: Exposure Draft Development) – We discussed selected topics related to the revision of ISA 330, The Auditor’s Responses to Assessed Risks; ISA 500, Audit Evidence; and ISA 520, Analytical Procedures. The topics discussed included defining tests of details, analytical procedures (including substantive analytical procedures), using audit evidence obtained in previous audits, accepting records and documents as genuine, and alignment with concepts of ISA 315 (Revised 2019).
• Technology Quality Management – We discussed our newly launched workstream, which will explore whether additional support is needed on how our quality management standards apply to emerging technologies. Among other matters, we discussed strategic questions designed to help shape the focus and priorities of the workstream’s information gathering activities.
• ISA 500 series (Project Stage: Information Gathering) – We discussed initial issues identified for targeted standards in the ISA 500 series.

Recordings of the meetings are available on our YouTube channel and more information on our projects can be found on the Latest on Our Projects web page.

Looking Ahead: Our Plans for Q3 2025

In addition to continuing our work on the projects highlighted above, we will also work on:

• IAASB Handbook – We expect to release an updated version of our handbook in Q3.
• Strategy and Work Plan – Together with IESBA, we will begin discussing our Strategy and Work Plan for 2028–2031. The Strategy and Work Plan for 2024–2027 is available on our website.
• ISA for LCE – We will begin the maintenance of the ISA for LCE. The standard will be updated, in a proportionate manner, to remain aligned with our projects on Fraud and Going Concern.

Supporting Adoption and Implementation

We continue to support the adoption and implementation of our standards. Therefore, we plan to publish in Q3:

• ISA 240 (Revised), The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements: A videos series that includes an overview video and topical videos on the changes related to risk identification and assessment, fraud or suspected fraud, and transparency in the auditor’s report. This is in addition to the Basis of Conclusions and fact sheet that were issued alongside the revised standard on July 8.
• ISA 570 (Revised 2024), Going Concern: A video with an overview of the revised standard and its key changes.
• ISSA 5000 on sustainability assurance: Illustrative assurance reports, other supplementary guidance, and a webinar series. We will also continue our outreach efforts and gather implementation questions and matters.

More information on the resources published can be found on the SUPPORT & RESOURCES section of our website. Past webinars can be found on the PAST EVENTS web page.

Technology: Submission Form for Feedback on the Catalog

As part of our Technology Position, we conducted a gap analysis to ensure our standards align with technological advancements, resulting in the Catalog of Issues and Possible Actions. The Catalog is a “living” document that will be updated at least semi-annually. We have also developed a feedback process, allowing our stakeholders to share your feedback and insights on the Catalog.

Submission Process

Feedback will be collected electronically and kept private. While submissions will not be attributed to individuals, they may be referenced in IAASB public materials. Please avoid including confidential information.

Consideration of Feedback

All feedback will be reviewed. While we will not respond to individual submissions, input will be considered collectively in setting priorities and determining the urgency and type of responses.

Share your feedback on the Catalog here.

IFEA Staff Fellows Program

The IFEA Staff Fellows Program is a unique secondment program that invites experienced professionals from around the world to temporarily join the IAASB or IESBA staff—contributing directly to international audit, assurance, and ethics standard setting. 

As a Staff Fellow, you'll: 

• Collaborate on global research, drafting, and stakeholder engagement 
• Deepen your understanding of international standards and the standard-setting process 
• Expand your global network 
• Advance your professional development 

For sponsoring organizations, the benefits are just as impactful: 

• Enhance staff expertise and leadership 
• Build stronger ties with the IAASB and IESBA 
• Support the implementation of high-quality global standards 

Applications are accepted year-round, but interviews typically take place in June–July for placements beginning in September. 

Interested? 

• Connect with your employer to discuss the opportunity and share this program flyer.
• Learn more about the Staff Fellows Program and meet current and alumni Fellows here.

Key Dates for this Quarter

Meetings 

• IAASB: September 15–18, 2025, New York, USA