Audit Regulations and Guidance

• UK Audit Regulations and Guidance effective from 1 October 2026

These regulations apply to all UK audit-registered firms regardless of the registering institute, unless stated otherwise. The regulations apply to all sizes of firms and registered auditors must comply with the regulations.

The regulations were updated on 1 October 2026. 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.

• View a schedule of amendments
• Read our article explaining the 1 October 2026 changes
• Find out more about dispensations

Notifications on the movement of audits and sole practice auditor alternates

2025 changes introduced a requirement for ICAEW-registered audit firms to notify ICAEW when appointed to certain complex or high-risk audits. A requirement for all sole practitioners to formally appoint an alternate was also introduced.

• 2025 Audit Regulations: notification requirements and sole practitioner alternates

Audit-firm eligibility requirements

Changes relating to audit firm control and key definitions were made in 2024.

• Check and monitor your firm's audit eligibility

• Access the superseded version of the UK Audit Regulations and Guidance in our archive

ICAEW’s guidance on names of audit-registered firms sets out what checks firms should make before applying for registration or changing their name and how firms should choose a name that is not misleading and avoids confusion with other audit firms, including what is considered ‘sufficiently similar’.

• Access guidance on firm names to ensure a practice’s name is not misleading

As potential for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in audit grows, firms must take a proactive approach to managing the risks. Clear policies, training and oversight are essential to protect audit quality, confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

• Read more on how to manage the risks

All audit registered firms considering a change of ownership to introduce private capital should engage with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and their recognised supervisory body (RSB) as early as possible.

• Learn more and read FRC guidance on the independence implications of private capital funding

Chartered Accountants Ireland issues stand-alone Audit Regulations for Ireland.

• Access the Audit Regulations and Guidance for Ireland

Special arrangements apply to firms that audit companies incorporated in one of the Crown Dependencies that have 'transferable securities' admitted to trading on a 'regulated market' in the EU. The arrangements apply even if the firm or company is not operating in a Crown Dependency.

• Access the requirements

Issues for audit firms outside the US that audit entities with a primary or secondary listing in the US, or a significant subsidiary thereof, and need to register with the PCAOB.

Practical audit support and guidance is available to ICAEW auditors including the latest regulatory updates, webcasts and monitoring reports.

• Access a wide range of useful resources
• Audit News