The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has published narrow-scope amendments to its standards arising from the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ (IESBA) Using the Work of an External Expert project.
These amendments respond to the IESBA’s recently approved revisions to its International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), which introduced, among other provisions, explicit ethical requirements for using the work of external experts in audit, assurance, and non-assurance engagements. The IAASB’s updates reflect ongoing collaboration and coordination between the IAASB and IESBA and help to maintain interoperability between the IAASB standards and the IESBA Code.
The targeted amendments affect the following IAASB standards:
ISA 620, Using the Work of an Auditor’s Expert
ISRE 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements
ISAE 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information
These amendments respond to the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ recently approved revisions to its International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), which introduced, among other provisions, explicit ethical requirements for using the work of external experts in audit, assurance, and non-assurance engagements.
The IESBA Focus series continues with a video spotlighting the Firm Culture and Governance project — a key initiative exploring how to develop a framework that supports the cultures and governance practices that shape ethical behaviour.
In this conversation, IESBA Vice-Chair @Channa Wijesinghe GAICD, FCPA, FCA explains the decisions taken at the IESBA December Board meeting and shares new information on the upcoming release of a series of IESBA Viewpoints, as well as the “Firm Culture and Governance Dialogues” to be announced in January 2026, which will shape our engagement with stakeholders.
Alongside IFAC’s recent Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Advisory Group meeting, we co-hosted a special side event in collaboration with Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) Network USA at Fordham University.
This joint engagement brought together perspectives from practice, industry, technology, and academia, enabling an insightful exchange on the real-world impacts of AI on business and the accountancy profession, how our work is evolving, and what we need to do to remain relevant in the future. It featured practical observations, real examples, and candid reflections from a panel of global experts leading AI-enabled change within their organizations and with clients.
We have compiled five short videos that capture the key themes from the panel discussion. These digestible clips reflect on how AI is influencing the pace of change, the evolving role of accountants, the importance of trust and design, and emerging leadership responsibilities.
These informed reflections and perspectives come from leaders immersed in digital and business-model transformation. Their views provide a timely snapshot of the current AI landscape and the urgent considerations shaping the profession’s future.
IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.
IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.
IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.
