- 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