• 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 Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is excited to announce that the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) will be held November 17–20, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants (KICPA) and IFAC will serve as joint hosts, working closely to welcome professional accountants from around the world for the event.

Recognized as a preeminent event for the profession, WCOA brings together Professional Accountancy Organization (PAO) representatives from over 100 countries to strengthen the global accountancy community by sharing experiences, learning and deepening relationships across the profession.  

WCOA 2026 marks the launch of a new biennial format, wherein the event will be held every two years. All accountants, as well as interested members of the public, are invited to participate in WCOA virtually to hear about how the profession is positioning itself for the future. In-person participation will be invite-only and will bring together some of the most experienced and visionary leaders in our field. WCOA will continue to be scheduled alongside IFAC Council meetings.

In-person participants of WCOA 2026 will have the opportunity to join in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and hear from distinguished subject-matter experts. The event will include opportunities to attend networking events, in order to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals from various sectors. In-person WCOA 2026 attendees will be comprised of IFAC PAO leadership (staff and volunteers), professional services firms, standard-setters, regulators and other government officials, representatives of multilateral and development agencies, and the business and investor communities. Select sessions will be livestreamed so that virtual attendees are included in these important conversations.    

 Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said:

"Seoul is a vibrant, innovative, and truly international city—an ideal host for WCOA 2026. At this Congress, the importance of a resilient, adaptable, and global accountancy profession will be front and center. We are honored to partner with our esteemed member, KICPA, to bring the world together here—leaders, colleagues, and friends united by our shared commitment to the public interest. The value of a strong, global profession has never been more pronounced, nor more needed.

We look forward to creating a Congress where every moment matters—whether on stage in a plenary or in a simple conversation between two new acquaintances—each connection will help shape the future of our profession. And of course, we will be engaging deeply on the drivers reshaping that future: sustainability, AI, and how we attract and empower the next generation of talent."

Mr. Woon-Youl Choi, KICPA President said:

“We are delighted that Seoul has been selected as the host city for WCOA 2026. I am confident that WCOA 2026 will serve as a meaningful platform not only to address priorities in accounting, auditing, and sustainability, but also to explore the challenges and opportunities of AI-enabled digital innovation.

Over the years, Korea has consistently strengthened transparency and trust amid a rapidly evolving domestic and global environment. Through this Congress, we look forward to sharing our experience with the global community while co-creating new value for future generations.

KICPA will work closely with IFAC—from program design through on-site delivery—to ensure a high-quality and rewarding experience for all participants. We also invite every participant to experience Seoul’s vibrant culture and dynamic innovation ecosystem during the Congress and to leave with forward-looking insights.”

IFAC looks forward to working with KICPA to deliver a world-class event in November 2026. Subscribe to IFAC newsletters and follow us on LinkedIn for more announcements in the coming months. For more information on WCOA 2026, please email WCOA@IFAC.org.

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.     

About KICPA

The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants (KICPA), established in 1954 under the Certified Public Accountants Act, is the statutory professional body representing Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Korea. Guided by the principle that sound accounting makes economic fundamentals sound, KICPA works to build trust and transparency in Korea's financial markets. Through setting professional standards, ensuring ethical conduct, and supporting continuous professional development, KICPA enables CPAs to serve the public interest, promote sound corporate governance, and contribute to Korea's economic development. KICPA is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global home for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest.

Africa is a source of growth, innovation, and opportunity, and the accountancy profession is rising to meet the moment. This week in Nairobi, IFAC Connect^TM Africa 2025 brings together public and private sector leaders, regulators, standard setters, and professional accountancy organizations to accelerate a shared vision for sustainable development across the continent.  

Convened by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and co-hosted with the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), IFAC Connect Africa 2025 launches the second annual IFAC Connect series, designed to ensure international standards and best practices support local solutions. As Africa advances its economic and institutional development, the continent faces both opportunities and challenges across several critical fronts. Navigating these interconnected issues requires coordinated leadership and dialogue across the public and private sectors. IFAC Connect Africa 2025 offers a platform for regional and international leaders to convert insights into action—strengthening trust in institutions, reinforcing the role of professional accountancy organizations and their members, and ensuring the continent is well-positioned to meet the expectations of financial markets, investors, and its citizens. 

As Africa accelerates its transformation, the accountancy profession is central to strengthening governance, advancing sustainability, building talent, enabling regional integration, and fighting financial crime. Over two days, leaders will focus on turning global standards and shared priorities into practical, locally relevant action across both public and private sectors.  

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: 

“Regional professional accounting leadership is driving economic growth and resilience. With our valued members and partners in Africa, we are all striving for common goals of the use of global standards shaped within local and regional conditions in the public interest. I am privileged to work with many talented colleagues in Africa and we will continue to find opportunities to grow and shape our trusted profession. We are Better Together.” 

Prem Govender, PAFA Vice President, said:  

“Africa’s accountancy profession is stepping forward to shape the continent’s future. This collaboration with IFAC and ICPAK reflects our shared vision of a profession that is inclusive, future-focused, and essential to Africa’s sustainable development.” 

IFAC’s longstanding partnership with PAFA is central to its work in Africa and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the profession’s capacity to serve the public interest, drive economic transformation, and meet global expectations. From supporting PAFA’s establishment to co-developing strategic initiatives across the continent, IFAC has worked closely with PAFA to amplify Africa’s voice in the global accountancy ecosystem. The two organizations collaborate to align regional priorities with international standards, optimize resources, and ensure consistent, trusted messaging across the profession. IFAC Connect Africa 2025 builds on this strong foundation and serves as the next chapter in a shared effort to deliver global solutions that reflect and respond to Africa’s unique opportunities and realities. 

Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda, Chair, ICPAK: 

“Hosting IFAC Connect Africa 2025 in Nairobi underscores Kenya’s commitment to regional leadership in the profession. Together with IFAC and PAFA, we are driving a transformative agenda grounded in accountability, transparency, and innovation. This event is an opportunity to chart a path that responds to Africa’s needs while contributing meaningfully to the global conversation.” 

Following IFAC Connect Africa 2025, ICPAK will host its Member Practice Forum, featuring a keynote address by Lee White. 

IFAC Connect Africa 2025 is the first of four IFAC Connect events this year followed by MENA in Riyadh in October, Global 2025 in Mexico City in November, and ASIAPAC in Jakarta in December. 

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.     

About PAFA  

PAFA is an IFAC Network Partner and Regional Organization, representing the accountancy profession in Africa. PAFA has 57 member organizations in 47 countries in Africa and five international affiliates. PAFA’s vision is sustainable value creation for the citizens of Africa. This is achieved by strengthening the capacity and influence of the accountancy profession to enhance trade, the quality of services, and trust in institutions.  

About ICPAK 

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) is the statutory body of Accountants established by the Accountants Act CAP 531.The Institute is also a member of the Pan Africa Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global umbrella body for the accountancy profession. 

“Ethics is not a barrier — it’s the foundation” - A key message from IESBA Chair Gabriela Figueiredo Dias' open invitation to the IESBA Ethics & Independence Conference 2025. In this video, Ms. Dias previews this can’t-miss event for global leaders navigating disruption, innovation, and public trust. Join us in Lisbon or online this September for a one-day, high-impact program featuring voices from business, regulation, and the profession. Learn more and register: https://www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025

• Over 300 registrants have already confirmed attendance, including more than 100 in-person participants from 28 different jurisdictions and 6 continents, for the Lisbon gathering of global financial and accounting leaders
• Updated program features new sessions on Trust and Transparency in Capital Markets and the Rise of Private Equity in Accounting
• Over 20 confirmed speakers including top regulators, investors, standard setters, and business leaders

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today announced the updated program for its 2025 International Ethics and Independence Conference, taking place on 15 September 2025, focused on the most pressing ethical challenges facing the accountancy profession and the global business community.

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

Participation is free, but physical spaces are limited due to venue capacity.

The full program, latest updates, and registration are available here: https://www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025

Themed "Ethics and Audit Independence: Pillars of Resilience and Competitiveness in Turbulent Times," the conference will convene regulators, investors, standard setters, accounting firms, and professional and business leaders. It will investigate the central role of ethics in safeguarding trust and stability and supporting innovation amid disruption.

Program highlights include:

• Six targeted sessions, covering areas such as regulatory shifts affecting accounting and capital markets, accounting firm culture and governance, sustainability reporting, ethical tax planning, and the accountant’s role in combatting financial crime.
• Panels discussing the impacts of technological disruption, AI, and private equity investment, and analyzing their ethical implications in reshaping the accounting services industry.
• A global speaker roster featuring over 20 top voices from capital markets, accounting firms, regulatory bodies, and international institutions, including the keynote speakers.

As regulatory pressures evolve and innovation accelerates, the conference will provide a timely platform for exploring how ethical and independent practices can enhance competitiveness, bolster resilience, and maintain public confidence in business, the accounting profession and financial markets.

This conference marks IESBA’s inaugural global gathering around ethics and independence. It reflects the Board’s dedication to engaging worldwide and promoting its standards embodied in the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) – a benchmark adopted, used, or referenced in over 130 jurisdictions around the globe.

The 2025 IESBA Ethics and Independence Conference marks the beginning of the IESBA’s September Board Meeting, which will take place in Lisbon at the ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management Campus.

The conference benefits from the generous support of ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, as well as the two Portuguese Professional Accountancy Organizations: OCC – Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados and OROC – Ordem dos Revisores Oficiais de Contas.

This support is critical to making the conference in Lisbon possible, highlighting these organizations’ alignment with IESBA’s initiative to foster high-level international dialogue on timely and pressing issues for the accounting services industries, financial markets, and the broader 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.

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• The IESBA Ethics & Independence Conference 2025 will bring together international leaders in Lisbon to discuss global trends and explore how ethics and independence can anchor trust, resilience, and competitiveness amid uncertainty.
• Sessions will explore how the accounting profession, business leaders, and regulators are responding to global challenges, navigating regulatory shifts, embedding ethical culture, adapting to tech and AI, and reinforcing integrity in the fight against financial crime.
• The conference will feature influential voices from across business, accounting, finance, regulation, and standard setting, leading figures shaping the future of ethics, governance, and audit independence on the global stage.

The IESBA Ethics & Independence Conference 2025 will bring together global leaders this September in Lisbon to address some of the most urgent ethical and public interest questions facing business, the accounting profession, and financial markets. Under the theme “Ethics and Audit Independence: Pillars of Resilience and Competitiveness in Turbulent Times,” the conference will feature senior leaders from across business, regulation, and professional services exploring how ethics can anchor the accounting profession in an era of disruption and major business transformations.

Across the globe, businesses, firms, regulators, and investors, are navigating growing public demands for transparency and integrity and accelerating advances in technology, amidst shifting regulatory environments. In some jurisdictions, new pressures around competitiveness have led to delayed or scaled-back regulation and oversight, particularly in areas like sustainability reporting. Meanwhile, technology and AI are rapidly evolving beyond existing paradigms, and recent financial failures have exposed gaps in ethics and accountability. In this context, ethics and audit independence emerge not only as foundational safeguards, but as strategic tools to guide innovation, reduce risk, and reinforce public confidence.

IESBA Chair Gabriela Figueiredo Dias said:

“This conference comes at a time when ethical leadership has never been more critical. As regulatory frameworks shift, uncertainty grows and public scrutiny intensifies, we must reaffirm our leaders’ commitment to ethical values. Upholding ethics and the public interest is not optional; it is a strategic imperative. Ethics is not a barrier to innovation or competitiveness; it is the foundation for growth, sustainability, and trust. For the accounting profession operating in today’s volatile environment, it’s also the most powerful key to earning or keeping the license to operate.”

Registration for the conference is open. Participants will join global leaders in business, accounting, finance, regulation and standard setting for a high-impact, one-day event exploring how ethical leadership and independent judgment can drive progress and safeguard public trust.

Participants can expect insightful keynotes and panel discussions covering the evolving regulatory landscape, ethical culture, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and financial crime. The program will feature a spirited debate on the dynamics between ethics and innovation, as well as global perspectives from business and accounting firm leaders, regulators, standard setters, and subject-matter experts. The conference also offers valuable networking opportunities with peers and thought leaders shaping the future of the profession.

The conference features a distinguished group of already confirmed speakers, listed below in alphabetical order: Neil Acres (MSCI), Maria Luís Albuquerque (European Commission), Gabriela Figueiredo Dias (IESBA), João Duque (ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management), Paula Franco ( OCC), Alan Johnson (IESBA and IAASB Stakeholder Advisory Council), Gilly Lord (PwC), Virgílio Macedo (OROC), Maggie McGhee (ACCA), Joaquim Miranda Sarmento (Government of Portugal), Jens Poll (Accountancy Europe), Panos Prodromides (CEAOB), José Ranito (European Public Prosecutor’s Office), Pascal Saint-Amans (University of Lausanne, formerly OECD), Tom Seidenstein (IAASB), Jean-Paul Servais (IOSCO), Nandini Sukumar (World Federation of Exchanges), Lee White (IFAC), and Megan Zietsman (Deloitte). Information on additional speakers will be available on the IESBA’s website.

The IESBA Ethics and Independence 2025 Conference is part of the IESBA September Board Meeting, which will take place in Lisbon at the ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management Campus.

The conference benefits from the generous support of ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, as well as the two Portuguese Professional Accountancy Organizations: OCC – Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados and OROC – Ordem dos Revisores Oficiais de Contas.

For the full program, updates, and registration, please visit: https://www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025

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.

The IESBA is holding interactive global webinars to present the key proposals in the Exposure Drafts on International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (including International Independence Standards) (IESSA) and Other Revisions to the Code Relating to Sustainability Assurance and Reporting and Using the Work of an External Expert.

The Exposure Draft on IESSA and ethics standards for sustainability reporting proposes a clear framework of expected behaviors and ethics provisions for use by all sustainability assurance practitioners, regardless of their professional backgrounds, as well as professional accountants involved in sustainability reporting. The goal of these standards is to mitigate greenwashing and elevate the quality of sustainability information, thereby fostering greater public and institutional trust in sustainability reporting and assurance.

The Exposure Draft on Using the Work of an External Expert proposes an ethical framework to guide professional accountants or sustainability assurance practitioners, as applicable, in evaluating whether an external expert has the necessary competence, capabilities, and objectivity in order to use that expert’s work for the intended purposes. The proposals also include provisions to aid in applying the Code’s conceptual framework when using the work of an external expert.

These proposed ethics (including independence) standards are especially relevant in a context where sustainability information is increasingly important for capital markets, consumers, corporations and their employees, governments and society at large, and when assurance providers outside of the accounting profession play a prominent role in sustainability assurance.

The webinars will provide useful information and valuable insight on the proposals in the Exposure Drafts for participants from all stakeholder groups, including regulators, preparers of sustainability information, sustainability assurance practitioners from all backgrounds, and investors.

The webinars will be held in English and available on YouTube following the session.

Webinar for the Using the Work of an External Expert Exposure Draft

Timing: February 22, 7:00 to 8:00 am EST

View the full Webinar

Presenters:

• Laurie Endsley, IESBA Vice Chair and Using the Work of an External Expert Task Force Chair
• Kam Leung, IESBA Principal

Webinars for the Sustainability Exposure Draft

Timing: February 27, 9:00 to 11:00 am EST

Registration link

Presenters:

• Mark Babington, IESBA member and Sustainability Workstream 1 Chair
• Richard Huesken, IESBA member and Sustainability Workstream 2 member
• Laura Leal, IESBA Principal
• Jon Reid, IESBA Principal
• Szilvia Sramko, IESBA Principal

Moderator: Geoff Kwan, IESBA Director

Timing: March 5, 8:00 to 10:00 pm EST

Registration link

Presenters:

• Channa Wijesinghe, IESBA member and Sustainability Workstream 1 member
• Richard Huesken, IESBA member and Sustainability Workstream 2 member
• Laura Leal, IESBA Principal
• Jon Reid, IESBA Principal
• Szilvia Sramko, IESBA Principal

Moderator:  Geoff Kwan, IESBA Director

About the 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 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.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) held a series of four global roundtables to obtain stakeholder input to help shape the development of new ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance.

The all-day roundtables, held in person in Paris, France (March 24), Sydney, Australia (March 30), Singapore (April 3), and New York (April 6), allowed stakeholders to convey relevant information to be addressed in developing the new standards. They were attended by members of the investor and corporate governance communities, C-suite executives, data aggregators, rating agencies, regulators and oversight bodies; international policy-making organizations; national standard setters; preparers; professional accountancy organizations; and sustainability assurance providers, including accountancy firms and independent providers outside the accountancy profession.

Read the briefing materials for attendees here.

The IESBA announced in June 2022 its commitment to take timely action to develop fit-for-purpose, globally applicable ethics and independence standards as a critical part of the infrastructure needed to support transparent, relevant, and trustworthy sustainability reporting and assurance. Importantly, this strategic commitment sets up the IESBA’s ethics and independence standards as the third pillar to trustworthy sustainability reporting and assurance, alongside the standards being developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB).  

In December 2022, the IESBA approved two new standard-setting projects that will develop profession-agnostic ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance and on the related topic of “use of experts.”

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 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 Code).

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)