Audit Regulations and Guidance

Regulations and guidance for those working in the regulated area of audit in the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.

Current Audit Regulations and Guidance

Firms registered for audit with ICAEW are required to comply with the Audit Regulations and Guidance.

Current Audit Regulations and Guidance in the UK

• 2021 Audit Regulations and Guidance
• Access more information about the 2021 regulation changes and the impact of the end of the Brexit transition period

Current Audit Regulations and Guidance in Ireland

• The January 2020 regulations will continue to apply in respect of Ireland only
• More details on the arrangements for Irish audit registrations 

Irish Audit Registration

ICAEW intends to seek the revocation of its Recognised Accountancy Body (RAB) status in Ireland
While the precise timetable for this process is being agreed with IAASA, and subject to satisfying all the governance steps involved, it is likely that our RAB status will end by 30 June 2021.  

• Find out the background to the decision and the next steps you should take

Irish Audit Regulations

• Access the current Irish Audit Regulations

Timing and manner of disclosure of penalties and sanctions

As part of procedures under the new Irish Companies Act, ICAEW, ICAS and ICAI updated their summary of the principles applied regarding the timing and manner of disclosure of penalties and sanctions in respect of Irish audit regulation. These apply from 1 January 2020.

• Download summary of principles

Audit requirements in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man

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.

Support for ICAEW audit regulated firms

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

PCAOB for non-US audit firms

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. 

Audit Regulations and Guidance archive

• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020)
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective 1 April 2017 to 31 December 2019 )
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective 17 June 2016 to 31 March 2017)
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective November 2013 to 16 June 2016)
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective 1 April 2013 to 10 November 2013)
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective until 31 March 2013)
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective until 31 May 2012)
• Audit Regulations and Guidance (effective until 31 December 2011)