• Jon Walters was appointed by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) in November 2025 for a three-year term.
• Mr. Walters is the Global Independence Leader for the PriceWaterhouseCoopers network of member firms, bringing global leadership experience in ethics and independence to the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.
• PIOB also decided to re-appoint Rania Uwaydah Mardini for a three-year term, also beginning on January 1 2026.

On January 1, 2026, the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) welcomed a new Board member following his appointment by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) in November 2025.

Jon Walters (United Kingdom) is currently the Global Independence Leader for the PriceWaterhouseCoopers network of member firms. In this role, he leads a global team of independence professionals responsible for establishing PwC’s independence policies, processes, and systems, and for providing advice and consultations on a wide range of auditor independence–related matters.

Prior to becoming PwC’s Global Independence Leader in January 2025, Mr. Walters served as the UK Independence Partner from 2014 and previously held leadership roles related to Ethics and Business Conduct for PwC UK. Outside of PwC, he was a member of the FRC’s Ethical Standards Technical Advisory Group from 2016 to 2025 and served on the ICAEW Ethics Standards Committee from 2013 to 2018.

Mr. Walters is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the ICAEW. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Design from Salford University.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join IESBA,” said Mr. Walters. “I believe strongly that having robust, high-quality global ethics and independence standards for the accounting profession serves the public interest, and I am looking forward to being able to use my 20+ years of experience in applying the IESBA Code and other global independence regulations to support the Board as we look to further develop and refine the Code.”

Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair of the IESBA, said:

“Jon brings extensive, hands-on experience in applying ethics and independence standards across jurisdictions and complex engagements. His practical insights will be highly valuable as the Board continues to advance global ethics standards that respond to the realities of today’s profession and a changing environment, while remaining firmly grounded in the public interest.

I am also pleased to welcome the reappointment of Rania Uwaydah Mardini, whose continued service will provide important continuity to the Board’s work, and I would like to thank those members who concluded their terms at the end of 2025 – Mr. Paul Muthaura and Mr. Rich Huesken – for their dedication and significant contributions to the IESBA.”

With the effectiveness of the PIOB nominations, IESBA reduces from 2026 onwards the number of members to 16, in line with the Monitoring Group Recommendations.

About IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (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.

Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.

Media Contacts:

Rui Peres Jorge 
Director of Strategic Communications 
International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) 
ruiperesjorge@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +351 966-301-383

David Johnson 
Senior Manager
IESBA Communications
davidjohnson@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +1 (212) 471-8732

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is pleased to welcome James Ferris following his appointment by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) in November 2025.

Mr. Ferris is Director of Audit Policy at the UK Financial Reporting Council and served as the Chair of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) Standards Coordination Working Group until December 2025. He has been appointed for a three-year term.

“I am honored to join the IAASB at a time of significant change for the global audit and assurance profession,” said Mr. Ferris. “I look forward to contributing to the IAASB’s work in strengthening high-quality international standards and supporting trust and confidence in audit and assurance in the public interest.”

The IAASB also congratulates current member Greg Schollum on his re-appointment for a three-year term. Greg is the former Deputy Controller and Auditor-General of New Zealand. His career includes serving as a member of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board, and the Financial Reporting Standards Board of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (now Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand).

In addition to welcoming Mr. Ferris and congratulating Mr. Schollum, the IAASB also welcomes the appointment of Edo Kienhuis as its new Vice-Chair for a one-year term. Mr. Kienhuis is a Partner in the PwC Audit and Assurance practice in Amsterdam and a member of the Dutch firm’s National Office. He has been a member of the IAASB since January 2021.

The PIOB’s invitation for application for terms of service beginning in January 2027 is expected to open in March 2026. The IAASB encourages qualified candidates to apply.

About the IAAS
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.

• IESBA launches its Viewpoints on Firm Culture and Governance, initiating a six-month global dialogue on the drivers of ethical culture in accounting firms.
• The launch coincides with IESBA’s Asia outreach to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong SAR, engaging with regulators, professional bodies, firms, investors, CFOs and others on priorities shaping the profession in 2026.
• Discussions will focus on IESBA’s strategy for 2028–2031, sustainability-related ethics standards, lessons from the implementation of existing standards, firm culture and governance, private equity investment, technology and emerging ethical risks and trends.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today began a high-level outreach visit to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong SAR, marked by the launch of its Viewpoints on eight fundamental elements of an ethical culture and governance framework for accounting firms. Learn more about the Firm Culture and Governance Project here.

The IESBA Viewpoints are designed to support global dialogue on key characteristics of elements such as ethical leadership, governance or incentives which influence ethical culture and behavior in accounting firms, informing the planned development of a global baseline.

Key topics on the agenda also include international and regional standard-setting developments, sustainability-related standards, lessons from the implementation of the Responding to Non-compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR) standard and the restructured IESBA Code, as well as technology-driven change and private equity investment in accounting firms.

During the visit, IESBA will engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including regulators, professional accountancy organizations, standard setters, accounting firms, investors, chief financial officers, professional accountants, authorities responsible for market integrity and the prevention of financial crime and others.

The outreach reflects Asia’s central role in the adoption and implementation of international ethics standards and the region’s importance to the global financial system and to IESBA’s work.

“Asia is at the forefront of many of the developments reshaping the accounting profession and the broader financial sector — from sustainability and technology to evolving business models and regulatory expectations,” said Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair of IESBA. “This outreach is an opportunity to listen, exchange views and deepen engagement with stakeholders in a leading region who are shaping how ethics is applied in practice across the region.”

Firm Culture and Governance Viewpoints and Dialogues

The IESBA Viewpoints on Firm Culture and Governance, published today, respond to growing recognition that ethical behavior is shaped not only by rules and individual conduct, but also by organizational factors such as leadership, governance, accountability, incentives, openness and transparency, among others.

The Viewpoints are not a proposed framework. They are intended to stimulate reflection, learning and engagement, and to support informed dialogue on what a future global framework on firm culture and governance should look like.

Their publication marks the start of the Firm Culture and Governance Dialogues, a six-month global engagement initiative through which IESBA will test, refine and further develop its thinking in close consultation with stakeholders.

Supporting materials released include:

• A booklet presenting the Viewpoints on the eight elements of the Firm Culture and Governance Framework and outlining the objectives of the project and the dialogues planned for the first half of 2026;
• A Snapshot providing a short, non-technical overview of the project, the Viewpoints, upcoming discussions and key decisions expected in 2026;
• A Briefing Note setting out the Viewpoints, their context and objectives, engagement questions and next steps; and
• A high-level paper outlining linkages between the Viewpoints and International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1).

“Trust has become a defining strategic asset. Organizations are increasingly judged not only on technical excellence or commercial success, but also on the values they demonstrate, the judgments they exercise under pressure, and the confidence they earn from markets, regulators, investors and society at large,” said Ms. Figueiredo Dias. “The IESBA Viewpoints are intended to support reflection and dialogue on principles that can reinforce trust and resilience.”

Asia outreach: meetings across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong

During the January outreach, IESBA will engage with stakeholders across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, including professional accountancy organizations, regulators, standard setters, accounting firms, investors, CFOs, professional accountants, public authorities responsible for market integrity and financial crime prevention and others.

Singapore | 12–13 January 2026

The outreach begins in Singapore with meetings at the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), covering IESBA’s strategic direction, sustainability reporting, lessons from the implementation of NOCLAR and the restructured IESBA Code, and the IESBA Viewpoints on Firm Culture and Governance. A dedicated engagement with Chief Financial Officers will address ethical challenges facing professional accountants in business or others who operate in this or equivalent role.

IESBA will meet with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to discuss current priorities and projects.

On 13 January, IESBA will participate in a full-day program hosted by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), featuring discussions on IESBA’s strategy and key projects, panels on firm culture and governance and private equity investment in accounting firms, a fireside chat on technology and innovation, and further exchanges on lessons from implementation of IESBA Standards.

Malaysia | 15–16 January 2026

In Malaysia, IESBA will meet with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) to discuss IESBA’s strategic direction, the adoption of the IESBA Code, as well as the challenges and ethical pressures facing the profession.

IESBA will also meet with the Securities Commission Malaysia (MY SECCOM), with discussions focusing on firm culture and governance, sustainability-related ethics, NOCLAR and emerging risks affecting trust and market integrity. 

Dedicated sessions hosted at MY SECCOM, will include discussions with The Malaysian Institute Of Certified Public Accountants, the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants and Institutional Investors Council, as well as accounting firms and professional accountants in business to discuss national and regional priorities, as well as IESBA’s work plan, including the IESBA Viewpoints on Firm Culture and Governance and the future development of a practical global Framework, sustainability reporting, NOCLAR and other topical issues and trends.

Hong Kong SAR | 19–21 January 2026

The final leg of the visit will take place in Hong Kong SAR and will include a full-day program with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), as well as meetings with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Asian Corporate Governance Association (ACGA).

Discussions will address IESBA’s priorities going forward, the IESBA Code, the Viewpoints and the broader Firm Culture and Governance Project, and the role of ethics and professional judgment in combating financial crime.

About IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (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.

Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.

Media Contacts:

Rui Peres Jorge 
Director of Strategic Communications 
International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) 
ruiperesjorge@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +351 966-301-383

David Johnson 
Senior Manager
IESBA Communications
davidjohnson@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +1 (212) 471-8732

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has named Mr. Barry Melancon (United States) and Prof. Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu (South Africa) as the 2025 recipients of the IFAC Global Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a positive and lasting impact on the global accountancy profession.

Mr. Barry Melancon

Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, the former President and CEO of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, played a defining role for more than 30 years in advancing the accounting profession through a period of significant global, technological, and organizational changes.

For over three decades, he has championed innovation, public trust, and global collaboration, shaping strategic direction across such areas as digital transformation, audit quality, sustainability reporting, professional ethics, and competency development. His leadership helped unify the profession globally and strengthened its readiness to respond to a rapidly changing world.

Mr. Melancon now serves in several key advisory and governance roles, including Chair of the Board for Baker Tilly International and the Global Advisory Board at Caseware, where he continues to support innovation and excellence across the profession worldwide.

“Barry’s contributions have fundamentally shaped the modern accountancy profession,” said IFAC President Jean Bouquot. “His vision for a technology-enabled, globally connected profession has enhanced professional quality, helped prepare generations of accountants for the future, and strengthened the public’s trust.”

Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu

Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu, one of Africa’s most distinguished accounting pioneers and leaders, has dedicated his career to strengthening public trust, advancing education, and expanding opportunities within and beyond the profession.

As the first Black African chartered accountant in South Africa, he paved the way for generations of Black African accountants. His exemplary career spans academia, public service—including as Economic Advisor to President Thabo Mbeki—and senior leadership at major corporations, including KPMG South Africa, where he guided the organization through complex governance and public trust challenges.

Prof. Nkuhlu’s contributions strengthened public-sector governance across the continent and elevated the chartered accountant’s role in building resilient economies. His influence extends beyond South Africa. As the Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the first chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee, he was at the forefront of African economic revival initiatives.  This underscores Prof. Nkuhlu’s commitment to the continent's economic development.  

“Prof. Nkuhlu’s legacy goes far beyond his pioneering work,” said Mr. Bouquot. “His leadership has strengthened governance, championed equity in the profession, and shaped accountancy education and public finance in Africa and globally.”

The Global Leadership Award was presented to Prof. Nkuhlu during IFAC’s Council meeting, held on November 12-13 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mr. Melancon will attend next year’s IFAC Council meeting in Seoul, South Korea, to receive his Award.

About IFAC

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.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the voice of the global accountancy profession, announces its new and returning Board members this week. With these changes, IFAC will maintain a diverse representation from different backgrounds and jurisdictions.

The elected IFAC Board members and their nominating member organizations are:

New IFAC Board appointments:

• Onome Adewuyi (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Nigeria)
• Áine Collins (Chartered Accountants Ireland, Ireland)
• Silvia Giordano (Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales de Ciencias Económicas, Argentina)
• Philip Kakai (Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, Kenya)
• Brian McEnery (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK)
• Jungeun Shim (Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Korea)

IFAC Board Reappointments:

• Kathryn Byrne (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, USA)
• Francisco Sant’Anna (Conselho Federal de Contabilidade/Instituto de Auditoria Independente do Brasil, Brazil)
• Sidharta Utama (Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants, Indonesia)

“As an international organization, IFAC thrives on the diversity, talent, and leadership of our members”, said Lee White, Chief Executive Officer. “I’m delighted to welcome these exceptional individuals to the Board and look forward to the fresh perspectives they bring to advancing our global mission. I also wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing Board members—Yeong Kyun Ahn, Joan Curry, Caroline Gardner, Winnie Nyamute, Fiona Wilkinson, and Ismaila Zakari—for their tremendous service to our profession and IFAC.”

New IFAC Member and Associate Admitted

Alongside the election of new Board members, the IFAC Council also approved the admission of one new Member organization and one new Associate.

New IFAC Member:

• Kampuchea Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Auditors (Cambodia)

New Associate:

• Ordre National des Experts-Comptables de la République Démocratique du Congo (The Democratic Republic of the Congo)

The new appointments and membership admissions were approved at the 2025 IFAC Ordinary Council hybrid meeting, held in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 12, 2025.

About IFAC

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.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today released the 2025 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards). This handbook incorporates the tax planning pronouncement that became effective for tax planning services and activities beginning after June 30, 2025.

The back of Volume 1 of the 2025 Handbook contains the IESBA-approved revisions to the Code addressing Using the Work of an External Expert as well as Sustainability Reporting-related Revisions. These revisions will become effective December 2026.

The new Volume 2 of the IESBA Handbook contains the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (including Independence Standards) and Other Revisions to the Code Relating to Sustainability Assurance and the provisions addressing Using the Work of an External Expert. These provisions become effective December 2026, except for certain independence provisions relating to value chain, which become effective July 2028.

Click here to learn more about the IESBA Code.

Reproducing and Translating the IESBA Handbook

To help adoption and implementation of the IESBA standards, stakeholders are invited to submit requests for permission to reproduce or translate the IESBA Handbook via the Online Permissions Requests or Inquiries system on the IFAC website.

About IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (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.

Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Jennifer Lopez as the new Chief Executive of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA).

Jennifer brings to CAPA a proven record of transformative and innovative leadership, most recently demonstrated during her tenure as Executive Director at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce. Her vision, strategic acumen, and commitment to collaboration come at a pivotal time for the profession. As IFAC strengthens its approach to regional engagement, Jennifer’s appointment marks an important step to further elevate collaboration between IFAC and CAPA, supporting the advancement of the accountancy profession both regionally and globally.

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Lopez into her new role at CAPA. Jennifer’s track record of innovation and strategic leadership will bring fresh energy and ideas to CAPA’s important mission. Her appointment comes at a time when our profession is navigating profound transformations—driven by sustainability, powered by technology, and shaped by the urgent need to attract, develop, and retain talent.

I am excited for the opportunities ahead as we work closely with Jennifer and the CAPA team to strengthen our collective impact for the benefit of the global profession and the public interest."

At the same time, IFAC expresses its deep gratitude to Brian Blood, who is stepping down after a remarkable tenure as CAPA’s Chief Executive Officer. "Brian has been a tireless champion for the profession in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Under his leadership, CAPA has become a true force—supporting PAOs through the Maturity Model, championing SMPs and Accounting Technicians, and producing vital resources on public sector reporting, ethics, and quality assurance. Brian has also been a generous advisor and friend to IFAC—always thoughtful and committed,” said Mr White. 

With Jennifer’s leadership and Brian’s enduring legacy, CAPA is well positioned to continue driving impact for its members and for the global profession.

About IFAC

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.

• O programa final anunciado com o investimento de private equity nas firmas de auditoria e contabilidadee em destaque.
• As conferências principais contarão com Maria Luís Albuquerque (Comissária Europeia), Jean-Paul Servais (Presidente da IOSCO) e Joaquim Miranda Sarmento (Ministro de Estado e das Finanças de Portugal), acompanhados por mais de 20 líderes globais.
• Mais de 700 inscrições já foram confirmadas, representando 96 jurisdições em seis continentes, com mais de 250 participantes em Lisboa. As inscrições presenciais encontram-se encerradas, mas a participação virtual continua disponível.

O International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) anunciou hoje o programa final da sua Conferência inaugural de Ética e Independência, que terá lugar no dia 15 de setembro em Lisboa e online.

O programa ficou concluído com a confirmação dos oradores para o painel da tarde sobre o crescimento do investimento de Private Equity nas firmas de auditoria e contabilidade. O debate, moderado por Ken Siong, Diretor Sénior de Programas do IESBA, contará com Mark Babington, Diretor Executivo de Normas Regulatórias no UK Financial Reporting Council e Membro do Board do IESBA; Liam Boyle, Chief Risk Officer da Teneo; e Wendy Russel, Head of Audit da Grant Thornton UK.

Este será um dos seis debates temáticos que abordarão os principais desenvolvimentos que estão a moldar a profissão e os serviços financeiros. Entre estes incluem-se também os impactos das alterações regulatórias e da disrupção tecnológica e da inteligência artificial, cultura e governação nas empresas de auditoria e contabilidade, desenvolvimentos relacionados com a informação de sustentabilidade, ética em planeamento fiscal e o papel dos profissionais de contabilidade e auditoria no combate ao crime financeiro.

Os oradores principais incluem Maria Luís Albuquerque, Comissária Europeia para os Serviços Financeiros e para a União da Poupança e dos Investimentos, Jean-Paul Servais, Presidente da IOSCO, e Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Ministro de Estado e das Finanças de Portugal. Juntam-se a um prestigiado painel com mais de 20 especialistas e líderes internacionais.

Mais de 700 participantes já se inscreveram, representando 96 jurisdições em seis continentes, com mais de 250 inscritos para assistir em Lisboa. Embora as inscrições presenciais estejam encerradas, a participação virtual permanece disponível.

O programa completo e os detalhes de inscrição podem ser consultados em www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025.

Num momento em que a pressão regulatória evolui e a inovação acelera, a conferência oferece uma oportunidade para explorar o papel das práticas éticas e regras de independência  no reforço da competitividade, resiliência e confiança dos cidadãos e investidores nos setores da contabilidade e auditoria, nos mercados financeiros e na economia.

Esta  é a primeira conferência internacional dedicada à ética e à independência em serviços financeiros organizada pelo IESBA, refletindo o compromisso do Board com a promoção do diálogo com os seus stakeholders a nível internacional. Igualmente, visa contribuir para a adoção dos seus standards, consagrados no seu código internacional de ética de independência — um benchmark já adotado, utilizado ou usado como referência em mais de 130 jurisdições em todo o mundo.

A Conferência IESBA 2025 marca também o início da reunião do board do IESBA de setembro, que terá lugar em Lisboa, no campus do ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management.

O evento conta com o apoio generoso do ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, bem como das duas organizações profissionais portuguesas do setor: a OCC – Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados e a OROC – Ordem dos Revisores Oficiais de Contas.

Estes apoios são críticos para permitir a realização da conferência em Lisboa, evidenciando a associação destas organizações ao propósito desta iniciativa do IESBA de dinamização do diálogo internacional, ao mais alto nível, sobre temas de grande atualidade para o setor da contabilidade e auditoria, os mercados financeiros e a economia.

Sobre o IESBA

O International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) é um organismo independente de definição de normas internacionais. A sua missão é servir o interesse público através da definição de standards éticos internacionais de elevada qualidade (incluindo normas sobre independência), como base para o comportamento ético nos negócios e nas organizações, e para a confiança pública na informação financeira e não financeira — essencial ao funcionamento e sustentabilidade das organizações, dos mercados financeiros e das economias a nível global.

Juntamente com o International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), o IESBA integra a International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). As atividades do IESBA e do IAASB, bem como a adequação dos seus standards ao interesse público, são supervisionadas pelo Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).

Contactos para a Imprensa:

Rui Peres Jorge 

Director de Comunicação Estratégica 

International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) 

ruiperesjorge@ethicsboard.org | Directo: +351 966-301-383

David Johnson 

Assessor Sénior de Comunicação

IESBA Communications

davidjohnson@ethicsboard.org | Directo: +1 (212) 471-8732

Rita Dimas

Consultora de Comunicação

Dédalo

ritadimas@dedalo.pt| Directo: +351 937-675-656

• Final program announced with Private Equity in Accounting under the spotlight, alongside panels on regulatory shifts, market transparency, firm culture, technology & AI, and financial crime.
• Keynotes feature Maria Luís Albuquerque (European Commissioner), Jean-Paul Servais (IOSCO Chair), and Joaquim Miranda Sarmento (Portugal’s Finance Minister), joined by more than 20 global leaders.
• Over 700 registrants confirmed from nearly 96 jurisdictions across six continents, including more than 250 in Lisbon. In-person registration closed; virtual participation still open.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today unveiled the final program for its inaugural Ethics and Independence Conference, taking place on September 15 in Lisbon and online.

The program is complete, with the confirmation of speakers for the afternoon panel on the rise of private equity in accounting firms. The discussion, moderated by Ken Siong, IESBA Program and Senior Director, will feature Mark Babington, Executive Director of Regulatory Standards at the UK Financial Reporting Council and IESBA Board Member; Liam Boyle, Chief Risk Officer at Teneo; and Wendy Russel, Head of Audit at Grant Thornton UK.

This will be one of six targeted discussions covering key developments shaping the accounting services sector and financial markets. Panels will address regulatory shifts and their impact on accounting and capital markets, sustainability reporting, firm culture and governance, ethical tax planning, the accountant’s role in combatting financial crime, and the ethical implications of technological disruption and AI.

Keynote speakers include Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Jean-Paul Servais, Chair of IOSCO, and Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Portugal’s Minister of State and Finance. They join a distinguished line-up of more than 20 global experts and leaders.

More than 700 participants have registered, representing 96 jurisdictions across six continents, with over 250 registered to attend in Lisbon. While in-person registration is now closed, virtual participation remains available.

The full program and registration details can be found at www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025.

As regulatory pressures intensify and innovation accelerates, the conference offers a timely platform to explore how ethics and independence can strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and public confidence in business, the accounting profession, and global financial markets.

This event marks IESBA’s first global conference on ethics and independence, reflecting the Board’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders worldwide and promoting the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), a benchmark adopted or referenced in over 130 jurisdictions globally.

The conference also marks the beginning of the September 2025 IESBA Board Meeting, which will take place at the ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management.

The event is made possible with the support of ISEG, as well as Portugal’s two professional accountancy organizations: OCC – Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados and OROC – Ordem dos Revisores Oficiais de Contas.

Their support was critical to hosting the conference in Lisbon and reflects their alignment with IESBA’s mission to foster international dialogue on timely and pressing issues for the profession, financial markets, and the wider economy.

About IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (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.

Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.

Media Contacts:

Rui Peres Jorge

Director of Strategic Communications

International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)

ruiperesjorge@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +351 966-301-383

David Johnson

Senior Manager

IESBA Communications

davidjohnson@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +1 (212) 471-8732

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released narrow scope amendments to its standards revising the definition of listed entity to align with the definition in the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ (IESBA) Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards). The new definition will amend the International Standards on Quality Management and International Standards on Auditing. In addition, amendments to International Standard on Review Engagement 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements, aim to align with the IESBA Code of Ethics regarding certain public disclosures about the application of independence requirements.

The narrow scope amendments:

• Adopt the same definition of publicly traded entity (PTE) in the ISQMs and ISAs as adopted in the IESBA Code of Ethics, while recognizing the role local standard setters and regulators play in defining PTEs for their jurisdictions.
• Incorporate an overarching objective for differential requirements for PTEs in the ISQMs and ISAs and a framework for when it may be appropriate to apply such requirements to other entities.
• Amend the applicability of the existing requirements for audits of listed entities to apply to audits of PTEs.
• Add a new requirement in ISRE 2400 (Revised) for public disclosure in the practitioner’s review report when the practitioner applied independence requirements specific to reviews of financial statements of certain entities, e.g., for public interest entities.

Throughout the development of these amendments, the IAASB maintained close collaboration and coordination with IESBA, striving to align key concepts in the IAASB’s and IESBA’s standards, to the greatest extent possible.

To assist its stakeholder understanding and implementing the narrow scope amendments, the IAASB has published a Basis for Conclusions, available on its website here.

Effective Date and Resources
The narrow scope amendments become effective for engagements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2026. This effective date is aligned with the effective dates for the IAASB’s recently revised standards on going concern and fraud, ISA 570 (Revised 2024) and ISA 240 (Revised), respectively. Together, these standards provide a stronger, more coordinated response to the risks of fraud and financial distress.

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.