Key reminders and updates
Apply for one of three non-executive director roles on the ICAEW Regulatory Board. The board is looking for directors with specialisms in regulation and conduct, audit and assurance and transformation and change. This is a high-profile opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding the public interest and maintaining the reputation of the accountancy profession. Applications close on 30 April 2026.
Read key findings identified in recent disciplinary cases to ensure you or your firm are not making similar mistakes.
We have recently updated our firm’s information page to include more examples of which team you would need to speak to for some of the most common queries we receive. Bookmark this page for easy access.
Members and firms regulated by ICAEW have a duty to cooperate with investigations carried out by the Conduct Department. We explain what this means in practice, what you can expect when you’re asked for information, and why failure to cooperate is taken so seriously.
All ICAEW-regulated firms have access to a free survey tool in order to anonymously collect diversity data within their firms. The collection of staff diversity data is optional for most regulated firms but mandatory for those accredited for legal services.
ICAEW requires firms to investigate complaints they receive from their clients. We talk to Carrie Langridge, Head of General, Compliance and Tax Investigations Team at ICAEW, who explains why addressing and resolving clients’ complaints internally is so important.
We have issued updated engagement letter templates, revisions include dedicated schedules covering identity verification, filing of company accounts on behalf of clients, Making Tax Digital services and agreed upon procedures.
Find out how to tell us about a merger or acquisition, a corporate restructure or reorganisation, external capital investment or alternative ownership structures to ensure you remain eligible for statutory work.
Audit
Due to its popularity, we have updated our article on resigning auditors’ responsibilities to issue cessation statements under section 519 of the Companies Act 2006. Read for a reminder from our Quality Assurance Department of auditor’s responsibilities in this area.
Join our Quality Assurance Department as they explain the continuing risks to audit quality and weaknesses that more often lead to unsatisfactory file reviews. They will highlight what is working well across firms, where weaknesses continue to arise, and how effective systems of quality management can support sustainable audit quality.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Our latest AML webinar is now available on demand. Hear about the ‘top 8’ areas where firms should focus their attention to support compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations.
Join us for an early look at the upcoming regulatory and guidance changes and what they mean for your firm. Our quality assurance reviewers will also share examples of good practice from recent firm reviews.
- PDF (18,502kb)
The NSA provides a comprehensive assessment of the threat to the UK from serious and organised crime (SOC), drawing out the key trends and themes of the last 12 months. This year’s assessment provides an important picture of the evolving threat landscape.
- PDF (6,841kb)
Practice Assurance
Register for our free webinar presenting the key findings from our 2025 quality assurance monitoring reviews and an additional focus on cyber security,
Legal services
Register to hear updates on the regulation of reserved legal services of probate and oaths administration. We’ll cover the latest common issues we are seeing on quality assurance reviews and the latest regulatory changes.
Under the Legal Services Regulations that took effect from October 2025, ICAEW-accredited probate firms are also authorised to offer the additional legal service of oaths administration. Please take a moment to give us your feedback on your experience to date.
The results of an independent evaluation of the Legal Choices website are now available. Legal Choices provides independent information across a wide range of legal topics with the aim of increasing transparency and access to legal services for consumers.
ICAEW supports the Ministry of Justice's objective of securing sustainable funding for the justice system and, as an approved legal services regulator, shares the aim of promoting access to justice. However, we do not believe diverting interest belonging to bereaved and vulnerable consumers is a proportionate mechanism to achieve this.
The Legal Ombudsman is seeking feedback on its Model Complaints Resolution Procedure (MCRP) from our accredited legal services firms and their clients to improve complaints handling, clarify guidance and templates, and identify additional resources to support early resolution of complaints across the legal sector. Your input is important. Respond by 19 May.
Read the latest updates from HMCTS including operational performance and management updates, upcoming changes to intestacy applications, and new PA1A and PA1P digital forms.
Join HMCTS for an online lunch and learn session where they'll be looking at practical ways to reduce stops on applications and give you insight into how they examine an application so you can better understand what they look for. The session will close with a Q&A.
DPB (Investment Business)
Changes to the Investment Business and Consumer Credit Handbooks came into effect on 1 April. Use the opportunity to check your PII cover.
Insolvency
ICAEW-licensed insolvency practitioners will be delighted by the news that they no longer need to submit copies of their SIP 16 statements to ICAEW. You do still need to file the statements at Companies House, including the evaluator's report.
Industry experts share their perspectives on the current restructuring landscape, how courts are applying plans in practice, and key considerations for practitioners.
In this video Allison Broad, Head of Insolvency Monitoring, breaks down what insolvency practitioners need to know about virtual accounts. Outlining key considerations such as compliance with SIP 11, interest allocation and reconciliations. The video also highlights the benefits of virtual accounts when used correctly and ICAEW guidance.
Pensions continue to be an issue QAD are identifying when conducting monitoring visits to IPs, this webinar will cover those back to basic points, including what your obligations and requirements as officeholders are.
This annual conference explores key challenges facing the profession and what lies ahead, as well as providing engaging topical technical sessions.
