ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

Regulation & Conduct News October 2026

Catch up on regulation changes that took effect on 1 October, and have your say on proposed changes to guidance used by our regulatory committees to inform sanctions decisions. You’ll also find the launch of our Auditbites video series, a new Constructive Engagement pathway for lower-level audit conduct matters and the latest AMLbites on terrorist financing. Plus, our new Legal Services Marketing Guide, and a consultation on proposed updates to insolvency practice for Individual Voluntary Arrangements.

Contents
Back to top

Key reminders and updates

ICAEW Professional Standards Department becomes Regulation & Conduct

ICAEW’s Professional Standards Department has become Regulation & Conduct, a name that more clearly reflects our evolving role in upholding standards, strengthening trust in the profession and working in the public interest. 

Regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2026

The following Regulations changed on the 1 October:

Joining the IRCB: putting people first
In our final article introducing the ICAEW Regulation & Conduct Board’s three new members, Julie Hendry tells us about her background in technology transformation. She explains why technology should always serve the people who use it, and how she hopes to use her experience to make a difference.
Regulatory Committees: Measures and Sanctions Guidance consultation
ICAEW is consulting on proposed new Regulatory Committees: Measures and Sanctions Guidance. The proposals replace the relevant regulatory sections of ICAEW’s existing Guidance on Sanctions with four committee-specific documents, providing clearer guidance on regulatory measures, penalties and the factors committees should consider when determining appropriate outcomes.
PII implications for firms and members relocating abroad

If you are moving abroad, and you plan to continue to practise in the UK, check your professional indemnity insurance will be compliant before you move.

Quality Assurance monitoring feedback results

Find out what our firms thought of the monitoring review process in Q2 2026.

Simplifying when firms can call themselves "Chartered Accountants"

Have your say on proposed changes which aim to simplify firm eligibility, clarify how the rules apply to group structures and streamline the requirements for general affiliates.

See more Regulation & Conduct news

Audit

New: Auditbites

Explore short, practical videos covering key audit regulatory requirements and common issues, designed to help busy audit professionals stay up to date and improve audit quality.

October 2026 changes to the Audit Regulations
From 1 October 2026 revised Audit Regulations will be in force. The main change (to regulation 2.19) clarifies that in some cases where a registered audit firm has breached the eligibility requirements, a dispensation to allow it to continue as a statutory auditor can be for no more than 90 days. This aligns with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Additional minor amendments have been made to clarify other items.
ICAEW launches Constructive Engagement pathway for lower-level audit conduct matters
ICAEW has introduced Constructive Engagement, a new pathway for resolving eligible lower-level audit conduct matters outside the formal disciplinary process. Live from 1 October 2026, the approach is designed to support timely remediation, improve audit quality and provide a proportionate route for cases that meet strict eligibility criteria.
See more audit news

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

AMLbites – Terrorist financing

Michelle Giddings, Head of AML, explores what terrorist financing is, how it differs from money laundering, and what the 2025 National Risk Assessment says about the risks facing the accountancy and TCSP sectors.

2026 AML reports and results webinar: 25 November

Our anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory team will discuss the results from this year’s supervision report, an update on our supervisory activity and our thematic review.

FCA review: key trends in money mule activity

Money mule activity is a form of money laundering in which a person transfers or receives criminal funds on behalf of others. The Financial Conduct Authority has produced a summary of how money mule activity occurs, firms should read the report to understand the threat, therefore strengthening their AML procedures.

See more AML news

Legal services

New: Legal Services Marketing Guide

Our new guide provides practical advice on marketing your services, reaching new clients and making the most of your ICAEW accreditation.

See more Legal Services news

Insolvency

Statement of Insolvency Practice 3.1 consultation

The Joint Insolvency Committee is consulting on updates to SIP 3.1 for Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) – England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The consultation gives those involved in the IVA process an opportunity to help shape future standards.

Restructuring and Insolvency Community webinars and recordings

Access a variety of webinar recordings, including the 2026 Virtual Restructuring & Insolvency Roadshows.

See more Insolvency news
Open AddCPD icon