• 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.

  • IESBA June 2019 Meeting Highlights Podcast

    English

    00:10 - Introduction: Diane Jules, IESBA Deputy Technical Director
    00:59 - Highlights & Key Developments: Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman
    04:03 - Role & Mindset: Richard Fleck, IESBA Deputy Chair
    04:42 - Non-Assurance Services: Richard Fleck, IESBA Deputy Chair
    06:25 - Fees: Ian McPhee, IESBA Member
    07:57 - eCode: Brian Friedrich, eCode Working Group Chair
    10:39 - Final thoughts: Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman
    12:06 - Closing Remarks: Diane Jules, IESBA Deputy Technical Director

    Meeting Highlights Listen & Subscribe in iTunes
    IESBA June 2019 Meeting Highlights Podcast

  • Spoiler Alert! Introducing IESBA’s new innovative product

    English

    On June 26th 2019, the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®) will launch its eCode—an innovative digital product that offers professional accountants a new way to engage with the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards).

    We invite you to join us for a 30-minute webinar on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 10am EST. To join, click the link below to register:

    Wednesday June 12th 2019 at 10 a.m. EST

    During the webinar, IESBA Member Brian Friedrich will explain IESBA’s vision for the eCode and provide a quick walkthrough to demonstrate the eCode’s structure, key features and functionalities.

    Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn about this product. Click here to view a short walkthrough video about the eCode and its key features.

    More information about the Code is available at the IESBA’s website.   

    If you have questions about this webinar, please email Carla Vijian.

     

     

    To learn more, join us for a webinar on June 12 for a walkthrough!

  • 2018 Roundtables

    English

    The IESBA held four global roundtables to obtain stakeholder input on two significant public interest topics – non-assurance services and professional skepticism. The topics are featured in the IESBA’s recently released Proposed Strategy and Work Plan, 2019-2023, Elevating Ethics in a Dynamic and Uncertain World. The roundtables were held in:

    • Washington, D.C., USA on June 11, 2018 

    • Paris, France on June 15, 2018 

    • Tokyo, Japan on July 12, 2018

    • Melbourne, Australia on July 16, 2018 (hosted by APESB & NZ XRB)

    About the Roundtables

    Washington, D.C. (June 11, 2018)

  • IESBA eNews: May 2019

    New York, New York English
    SAVE THE DATE – eCode Launch
    To coincide with the revised and restructured Code coming into effect on June 15, 2019, the IESBA is making final preparations for its eCode launch in late June. The eCode is an innovative way of engaging with the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. With its simple, visually appealing accordion design, the eCode emphasizes the Code’s “building blocks” architecture and scalability. The eCode’s electronic features, including links to non-authoritative materials, will assist users to better understand, navigate, and consistently apply the Code.
    Join us for an upcoming webinar to learn more.
     
    Count Down to the New Code!
    It is hard to believe but there is less than one month to go before the revised and restructured Code becomes effective!

    To raise awareness and explain the new Code’s structural and substantive improvements, the IESBA held two global webinars in March and April 2019. The webinars were attended by more than 1,000 participants from more than 100 jurisdictions. The webinar is available online for those who weren’t able to participate or want to watch again.

    Additionally, if you’re wondering how the new Code will affect your standards, take a look at the article on the IFAC Global Knowledge Gateway from the IESBA. You can even earn continuing profession development credits!
    For more and the latest support materials, continue to check out the dedicated web page.
    Connecting Global and National Standards

    Robust and lively discussions on key IESBA projects and significant national developments featured prominently in the IESBA’s meeting with national ethics standard setters from 14 jurisdictions in Paris last week.

    In addition, the IESBA held a successful joint session with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and national audit and ethics standard setters to explore enhancing trialogue and mutual engagement. The event also included a session on UK audit market developments and discussion on the developments from an international perspective.

    During this visit, the IESBA and IAASB, in association with the French professional accountancy organizations, Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes and Conseil Supérieur de l'Ordre des Experts-Comptables, hosted a successful two-day international working conference. The conference drew more than 80 delegates who explored how the two standard-setting boards can best respond to the challenges related to less complex entities in their standard-setting activities.

    While in Paris, IESBA representatives also met with members of the regulatory community, international organizations and firms, including Haut Conseil du commissariat aux comptes, European Securities and Markets Authority, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as part of its outreach activities.

    Alignment with ISAE 3000 (Revised)
    The IESBA has proposed changes to Part 4B of the Code, Independence for Assurance Engagements Other than Audit and Review Engagements to align it to changes to terms and concepts in the IAASB’s International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information.

    Comments are requested by June 26, 2019.

    Read more
    Questions about Long Association?

    IESBA staff has released an updated Q&A publication incorporating additional frequently asked questions. The publication is aligned to the restructured version of the revised Long Association provisions, which came into effect for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018.

    Read more

    Non-assurance Services
    At its March meeting, the IESBA discussed key policy decisions and direction for proposed revisions to Section 600 of the Code. Section 600 addresses the permissibility of firms providing non-assurance services to audited entities from an independence perspective.

    The IESBA will progress its deliberations, including proposed changes to Section 600 and other related sections, at its June 2019 meeting.

    Read more 
    Fees

    At its March meeting, the IESBA also considered initial proposals for possible revisions to the fee-related provisions in the Code, in particular International Independence Standards Section 410, Fees.

    The IESBA will progress these deliberations at its June 2019 meeting as well, including proposed changes to fee-related provisions in the Code.

    Read more 

    Upcoming IESBA Meeting Dates
    June 17 - 19, 2019 | National Association of State Boards of Accounting (NASBA) Office, Nashville
    September 16 - 19, 2019 | American Institute of CPAs Office, New York
    December 3 - 6, 2019 | IFAC Office, New York
    Register to attend the IESBA meeting.
    Key Upcoming Outreach
    May 2019 | Russia | International Conference on the IESBA Code of Ethics and outreach to stakeholders from the regulatory community and the profession
    May 2019 | Costa Rica | CReCER Conference
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    Want to know more?
    Read the minutes and working papers for all our IESBA meetings. They’re a great information source about project progress and how we support and protect the public interest.
    The IESBA’s multi-stakeholder Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) meets a week before the board to provide strategic input on our meeting agenda materials, as well as our projects and initiatives more broadly. You can also read all the CAG’s minutes and working papers.
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