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  • IFAC Council Approves Its First Ever Female-Majority Board

    New York, NY English

    IFAC, the International Federation of Accountants, today announced its first ever female-majority Board. The approval of eight Board members, including five women, occurred at IFAC’s annual Council meeting in Vancouver.

    New IFAC Board members and their nominating member organizations are:

    • Yeong Kyun Ahn, Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants
    • Joan Curry, Chartered Accountants Ireland
    • Caroline Gardner, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
    • Winnie Nyamute, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
    • Fiona Wilkinson, Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies
    • Ismaila Zakari, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria

    Returning members re-appointed for a second term of service to IFAC’s Board are:

    • Tommye Barie, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
    • Idésio da Silva Coelho, Jr., Instituto dos Auditores Independentes do Brasil and Conselho Federal de Contabilidade

    Over the course of the past decade, IFAC has committed to improve gender balance on its Board and committees. Through dedicated and ongoing outreach to attract a diverse slate of candidates, with a particular focus on gender diversity, 12 of IFAC’s 23-member Board are now women.

    Dr. In-Ki Joo, IFAC President, said, “On behalf of IFAC, I congratulate and welcome all of our new and returning Board members. Each of these individuals was nominated and approved on the basis of their leadership qualities, business acumen, and passion for the future of our profession. We are particularly pleased that, as a result of our deliberate focus on gender diversity, the majority of these well-qualified Board members are women.”

    “I am equally pleased to congratulate the newest members of the IFAC organization,” Dr. Joo continued. “Joining IFAC demonstrates a serious commitment to the advancement of our profession, and should be recognized and applauded as a significant milestone on the path of continuous growth and improvement.”

    The following Associates have been approved as IFAC Members:

    • Albanian Institute of Certified Accountants
    • Instituto Salvadoreño de Contadores Públicos
    • Certified Practising Accountants of Papua New Guinea

    In addition, five professional accountancy organizations have been approved to join IFAC as Associates:

    • Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Pichincha y del Ecuador
    • Colegio Hondureño de Profesionales Universitarios en Contaduría Pública
    • Lao Chamber of Professional Accountants and Auditors
    • Ordem dos Contabilistas e Auditores de Moçambique
    • Suriname Chartered Accountants Institute

    Collectively, this signifies new representation of IFAC in Ecuador, Laos, Mozambique, and Suriname.

    “We are committed to representing—and advancing—the global accounting profession. With a majority-female Board and Associates in four new countries, this is a proud moment for IFAC,” said Dr. Joo.

    The new Board appointments and membership decisions were approved at IFAC’s 2019 Council meeting, held from November 13 to 14 in Vancouver, Canada.

    About IFAC
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • New Report Highlights Accountancy Profession as Key Driver of Progress in Adoption of International Standards

    New York, NY English

    In celebration of World Standards Day, IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) today released a new report detailing how and where international accountancy standards—which focus on audit and assurance, ethics, education, and private and public sector accounting—are being adopted and implemented globally.

    The report, which includes data from the more than 170 professional accountancy organizations that comprise IFAC’s membership, shows strong and sustained support for both the adoption and implementation of international standards, especially in areas where IFAC member organizations are involved in the process from start to finish.

    The International Standards: 2019 Global Status Report reveals:

    • 90+% of jurisdictions examined use International Standards on Auditing, International Financial Reporting Standards, and the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
    • 80+% of jurisdictions examined have monitoring & enforcement mechanisms for quality assurance and investigation and discipline.
    • 76% of IFAC member organizations have some level of authority in adopting international standards and best practices.
    • IFAC member organizations are instrumental in ensuring high-quality standards’ implementation through advocacy, raising awareness, technical support, translation, training and enforcement.

    The report also shines a light on the important and often untold story of how standards are adopted and implemented—a process that can be as complex as developing a standard.

    “Since there are no international laws requiring nations to adopt and implement international standards, support from IFAC’s member organizations for these dual objectives is critically important to progress,” according to IFAC CEO, Kevin Dancey. “This new report reinforces the impact of standards in driving transparency and creating a common language for high-quality financial information.”

     According to the new report, there is a positive trend in international standards’ usage where IFAC member organizations have at least some authority in the standard-setting and regulatory environment. However, additional multi-stakeholder support from international policymakers and regulatory organizations, as well as leaders from government, academia, and business, is required to extend the adoption success story by creating the right conditions for implementation.

    “International standards have come a long way since 2000 when there was little to no global adoption. While there is always more to be done, IFAC member organizations play a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of international accountancy standards, which ultimately help drive sustainable economic growth and financial market stability in their respective jurisdictions,” said Dancey.

    About the Report
    The International Standards: 2019 Global Status Report's data comes from the IFAC Member Compliance Program and covers 173 IFAC member organizations and the 130 jurisdictions in which they operate. The report establishes a baseline on international standards’ adoption and implementation and explores how accountancy best practices and IFAC member organizations have a positive impact.

    About IFAC
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    Since 2000, IFAC Member Organizations Have Been Instrumental in the Adoption and Implementation Process, Driving Further Economic Growth and Stability

  • Research Shows Benefits of Multidisciplinary Firm Structure in Producing High Quality Audits

    English

    A global alliance of accounting organisations has found that firms that offer both audit and non-audit services are best positioned to deliver robust and reliable assurance.

    The report published today by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) provides compelling evidence that “the presence of multidisciplinary firms in a large and evolving corporate reporting system fills a valuable market need” and simultaneously commends how the rules that have evolved over the past two decades “mitigate risks associated with audit firms providing non-audit services to some audit clients.”

    The report, Audit Quality in a Multidisciplinary Firm, draws its findings from leading academic literature, views of policy experts, and an in-depth study of how regulators worldwide manage risk. It is meant to contribute constructively to the international debate on the multidisciplinary firm business model and auditors providing non-audit services.

    The report notes that high quality audits require “a diverse skill base” and that “the multidisciplinary model is one of the best mechanisms to develop the skills, expertise and consistency needed for quality audits.”

    The narrower issue of providing non-audit services to audit clients is more nuanced. The report notes, “There continues to be concern that independence is compromised in doing so, in spite of strict rules that prohibit or restrict firms from providing such services to audit clients.

    “Services that are permitted quite often are complementary to the audit, and threats to independence can be effectively mitigated. However, demonstrating to the public that perceived conflicts of interest are being appropriately managed is challenging.”

    The report continues: “As this issue continues to be considered, it is important to remember that evidence cited in this paper calls into question the need for sweeping regulatory changes that could have unintended consequences on audit quality” and notes that “the vast majority of non-audit fees actually come from clients for whom firms do not provide audit services.”

    Maggie McGhee, executive director - governance at ACCA, said:

    “We welcome a robust debate on these issues that no doubt will continue to be important for the profession and policy makers, and encourage a conversation grounded on the facts.

    “ACCA is delighted to publish this report with our colleagues from CA ANZ and IFAC. It is the latest example of the benefits which our alliance creates for our members and our students, as well as for the accountancy profession and the public interest.”

    Amir Ghandar, CA ANZ Reporting & Assurance Leader, said:

    “The multidisciplinary base of auditing firms is a strength that contributes to audit quality, but firms and the profession at large must continue to actively establish and demonstrate a culture of integrity through governance, transparency, and our core ethics.

    “Robust independence rules have evolved over the past two decades to mitigate real or perceived risks of conflict of interest associated with audit firms providing non-audit services, and these should continue to evolve in order to keep pace with public expectations and emerging challenges.”

    Kevin Dancey, IFAC CEO, said:

    “Questions about audit quality, independence, and competition are always worth asking. But no one should rush to conclusions. The business case for the multidisciplinary model is strong and there is significant evidence in support of the model.

    Let’s work with the facts as we continue to best serve the public interest.”

    ###

     For media enquiries, contact:

    CA ANZ: priya.kumar@charteredaccountantsanz.com
    ACCA: alex.murphy@accaglobal.com
    IFAC: geenaderose@ifac.org

    About IFAC
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

    About CA ANZ
    Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is a professional body comprised of over 120,000 diverse, talented and financially astute members who utilise their skills every day to make a difference for businesses the world over.

    Members are known for their professional integrity, principled judgment, financial discipline and a forward-looking approach to business which contributes to the prosperity of our nations.

    We focus on the education and lifelong learning of our members, and engage in advocacy and thought leadership in areas of public interest that impact the economy and domestic and international markets.

    About ACCA
    ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

    ACCA supports its 219,000 members and 527,000 students (including affiliates) in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide, and 328 approved learning providers who provide high standards of learning and development.

    Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

    ACCA has introduced major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

    Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com


  • IPSASB Issues Exposure Draft to Address Accounting for Public Sector Specific Financial Instruments

    English

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®) has released an Exposure Draft (ED), Public Sector Financial Instruments, Amendments to IPSAS 41, Financial Instruments, for comment. The ED provides guidance on how to account for a number of important categories of financial instruments that are unique to the public sector.

    The proposed new Standard will augment existing guidance in IPSAS 41, Financial Instruments, and improves that Standard’s requirements by introducing guidance on:

    • Monetary gold;
    • Currency in circulation;
    • IMF quota subscriptions; and
    • Special Drawing Rights.

    “The topics addressed in this Exposure Draft are unique to the public sector and have a significant impact on government finances,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “The final guidance will ensure users of IPSAS-based financial statements have the information they need about these important items for accountability and decision-making purposes.”

    How to Comment

    To access the Exposure Draft and its summary At-a-Glance document, or to submit a comment, visit the IPSASB website, www.ipsasb.org. Comments on the Consultation Paper are requested by December 31, 2019. The IPSASB encourages IFAC® members, associates, and regional accountancy organizations to promote the availability of this Consultation Paper to their members and employees.

    About the IPSASB

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

    About the Public Interest Committee
    The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

    Stakeholder comment on Exposure Draft 69 sought by December 31, 2019

  • IPSASB Summarizes Key Achievements in Biennial Review

    English

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) today published its Biennial Review, Delivering for the Future, which summarizes the Board’s successes, challenges, and key outputs during 2017 and 2018.

    The majority of the Board’s projects during the review period were public sector-specific in nature and aimed at closing perceived gaps in the IPSASB’s suite of standards, while maintaining alignment with International Financial Reporting Standards, when appropriate.

    During 2017 and 2018, the IPSASB finalized IPSAS 40, Public Sector Combinations; IPSAS 41, Financial Instruments; and the landmark standard, IPSAS 42, Social Benefits. In addition, the Board approved two major Exposure Drafts (ED) 64, Leases, and ED 67, Collective and Individuals Services and Emergency Relief (Amendments to IPSAS 19).

    “After celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the IPSAS program in 2017, these are exciting times for the IPSASB, with significant increases projected in the global adoption and implementation of IPSAS by governments in the short to medium term,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “The hard work, dedication, and commitment of my fellow IPSASB members and their technical advisors, all of whom are volunteers, together with the support of IPSASB staff, have been critical to the Board’s notable achievements during 2017 and 2018.”

    The IPSASB Strategy and Work Plan 2019-2023 was also developed during the review period, which will guide the Board’s future activities toward its strategic objective.

    To ensure it delivers in the public interest, the IPSASB’s strategic objective is: strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) globally through increasing adoption of accrual-based IPSAS.

    This will be delivered through two main areas of activity, both of which have a public interest focus:

    • Developing and maintaining IPSAS and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for the public sector; and
    • Raising awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. 

    About the IPSASB
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

    About the Public Interest Committee
    The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

  • Global Ethics Board Proposes Changes to Promote Role, Mindset Expectations

    New York, New York English

    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today proposes changes to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code) to promote the role and mindset expected of all professional accountants. The Exposure Draft, Proposed Revisions to Promote the Role and Mindset Expected of Professional Accountants, puts forward changes that further strengthen the Code.

    The proposed revisions respond to stakeholder calls for the IESBA to explore whether and how the Code could contribute to strengthening the application of concepts underlying professional skepticism by all professional accountants.

    Among other matters, the proposals:

    • Highlight professional accountants’ wide-ranging role in society and the relationship between compliance with the Code and a professional accountant’s responsibility to act in the public interest;
    • Include enhancements to the robustness of the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity and professional behavior;
    • Further strengthen the Code through requiring professional accountants to have an inquiring mind when applying the conceptual framework; and
    • Highlight the importance of being aware of bias and having the right organizational culture.

    The proposals were developed in coordination with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Accounting Education Standards Board.

    The IESBA will host a webinar in September 2019 to provide an overview of the proposed revisions. Follow the IESBA on Twitter (@Ethics_Board) for updates on how to register for this event.

    How to Comment 
    The IESBA invites all stakeholders to comment on the Exposure Draft by visiting the Ethics Board’s website. Comments are requested by October 31, 2019.

    About the IESBA
    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA serves the public interest by setting ethics standards, including auditor independence requirements, which seek to raise the bar for ethical conduct and practice for all professional accountants through a robust, globally operable International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards).

    The IESBA believes a single set of high-quality ethics standards enhances the quality and consistency of services provided by professional accountants, thus contributing to public trust and confidence in the accountancy profession. The IESBA sets its standards in the public interest with advice from the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) and under the oversight of the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).

    Changes Strengthen International Code of Ethics

  • Dr. Stavros Thomadakis Reappointed as IESBA Chairman

    New York, New York English

    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Stavros Thomadakis as IESBA Chairman for a further one-year renewable term commencing 1 January, 2020, which was recently approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).

    Dr. Thomadakis has chaired the IESBA since 2015. His dedication to high quality, fit-for-purpose ethics standards for the global accountancy profession is reflected in the IESBA’s ambitious Strategy and Work Plan 2019–2023.

    Under his leadership, the IESBA has revised and restructured the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), which became effective in June 2019. In addition, the IESBA recently launched the eCode – a web-based tool that delivers the Code on a digital platform.

    “The IESBA continues to address challenging issues affecting the accounting profession with high-quality future-ready ethics and independence standards. That very goal underpins our ongoing coordination with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). The IESBA is committed to supporting global adoption and implementation of the Code with innovative tools that increase the Code’s accessibility and usability,” said Dr. Thomadakis. “I look forward to working further with board colleagues, IESBA staff, our Consultative Advisory Group and our global stakeholders to elevate ethics and advance the IESBA’s multiple projects in the public interest.”

    Dr. Thomadakis is Emeritus Professor of financial economics at the University of Athens and an active member of the Hellenic Council for Corporate Governance. He was Chairman of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission from 1996 to 2004. From 2005 to 2011, he served as the first Chairman of the Public Interest Oversight Board. Until late 2015, Dr. Thomadakis was a member of the Securities and Markets Stakeholders Group of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

     

    About the IESBA
    The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board

    About IFAC
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • Global Ethics Board Launches eCode; Takes Usability and Accessibility of Code of Ethics to Next Level

    English

    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today launched the eCode – a web-based tool that delivers the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code) on a digital platform. In addition to “app-like” features and functionalities, this new platform better demonstrates the Code’s “building blocks” architecture and scalability.

    The eCode represents the outcome of a strategic initiative to leverage modern technologies, including mobile access, to make the content of the Code as widely accessible and visible and as user-friendly as possible. In addition to enhanced search and navigation, the eCode includes links to non-authoritative resources that provide contextual information or explain the rationale for particular provisions in the Code.

    “The eCode is an innovative response to stakeholder calls for more support for implementation,” said Dr. Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman. “Technology opens many opportunities for enhancement to the user experience, and with the eCode we have sought creative and appealing ways to do so. We firmly believe the eCode will greatly facilitate adoption, consistent application and enforcement of the Code in the public interest.”

    “The launch of the eCode is timely as the Restructured and Revised Code came into effect earlier this month,” said Ken Siong, IESBA Senior Technical Director. “Technology is rapidly transforming the ways of work and how information is accessed and used. It is therefore apt to see the Code now accessible on a digital platform which users will find familiar and intuitive.”

    The development of the eCode has benefited from the operational support of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) as well as staff support from the New Zealand External Reporting Board. The IESBA will continue its collaboration with these partners as it embarks on a second phase of this initiative to explore additional features as well as avenues to transfer the platform to adopters of the Code.

    The eCode is available free-of-charge at www.IESBAeCode.org. The IESBA welcomes feedback from all stakeholders. In particular, views are sought about usability features, national adoption of the eCode platform, and areas for further improvement from firms, national standard setters, regulators and audit oversight bodies, professional accountancy organizations, investors and academia. Please email suggestions to IESBAeCode@ethicsboard.org.

    Learn more about the Code, including the five fundamental principles of integrity; objectivity; professional competence and due care; confidentiality; and professional behavior on the IESBA’s website.

    Click here to access tutorial-styled video on the features of the eCode.

    About the IESBA
    The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

  • As Tax, Trade and Transparency Dominate G20 Agenda, IFAC Issues Call-to-Action

    New York, New York English

    IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants) today urged G20 countries to pursue smart regulation, heightened transparency, and inclusive growth to embrace Japan’s vision for an innovative and intelligent “Society 5.0”.

    At a time of economic and political uncertainty, IFAC’s recommendations focus on actions that will strengthen the economy, ensure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and create a fair and empowered digital economy

    “While growth has returned to most economies, substantial uncertainty and downside risk remain, along with the temptation for unilateral policy actions,” said IFAC CEO Kevin Dancey. “We urge leaders to collaborate on solutions to evolving global challenges, and to ensure more citizens are able to enjoy the benefits of the digital age.”

    Collaborating for a coherent international tax system is a core recommendation. IFAC stands with G20 leaders to call for global tax policies that address the complexity of the digital economy.

    Ongoing tax and trade tensions demonstrate the desire for nations to act unilaterally on impactful issues. IFAC urges G20 countries to ensure a coherent, transparent global regulatory environment that limits fragmented regulatory regimes. The immense cost to the global economy—more than $780 billion USD annually in the financial sector—is unsustainable. 

    Another G20 concern is addressing the needs of an aging society, which requires robust and resilient public sector practices. Accrual-based public sector accounting helps governments to develop a more accurate picture of national income, costs, assets and obligations. The result is increased transparency and accountability, and more informed decision-making to plan for the long-term.

    G20 countries play a crucial role in fostering institutions and governance models that can anticipate, respond to, and optimize rapid technological change. IFAC issues these recommendations in advance of the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on June 28-29.

  • Tom Seidenstein to Lead the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board

    New York, New York English

    Mr. Thomas R. Seidenstein will become the new chair of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2019. He succeeds Prof. Arnold Schilder, who has led the IAASB since 2009.

    "Tom will skillfully navigate the IAASB through a period of change and transformation with his flexible and pragmatic approaches," said Ryozo Himino, Interim Nominating Committee Chair. "Being a collaborative leader and a natural consensus builder, he will continue to realize the potential of both the IAASB and its support in, and for, the global community.”

    “I am honored to be selected as the IAASB’s next chair,” Mr. Seidenstein said. “Adopted and implemented worldwide, international standards on audit and assurance are a critical support to global financial market stability. I look forward to working with IAASB members, technical staff, and the leadership of other standard-setting boards to further strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration on key public interest issues and address emerging stakeholder needs. Together, we will advocate tirelessly for relevant standards that facilitate high-quality audit and assurance engagements.”

    Mr. Seidenstein’s career spans both international standard setting and the private sector. He is currently senior vice president for Strategy, Innovation and Capital Management at Fannie Mae, a leading source of US housing market liquidity. He previously served as the chief operating officer at the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation, where he led the organization’s governance review and reform process and worked closely with regulators to support global adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards. He holds a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and is an undergraduate of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University.

    Mr. Seidenstein’s appointment was recommended by the Interim Nominating Committee after an extensive international search. His appointment was endorsed by the IFAC Board and approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the IAASB.

    About the IAASB
    The IAASB develops auditing and assurance standards and guidance for use by all professional accountants under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAASB, and the IAASB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

    About the Interim Nominating Committee
    Chaired by Mr. Ryozo Himino, Vice Minister for International Affairs, Japan Financial Services Agency, the Interim Nominating Committee was formed by the Monitoring Group to conduct an open and transparent search for the next IAASB Chair. Having successfully fulfilled its mandate, the committee will now dissolve.