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Ethics

Ethical behaviour plays a vital role in ensuring public trust in financial reporting and business practices and upholding the reputation of the accountancy profession. ICAEW members are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct and take into consideration the public interest.

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Key resources

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The latest ethics related videos, webinars and podcasts from ICAEW. Find expert insight into ethical decision making, speaking up and ethical standards, which will support your professional development.
ICAEW's Ethics CPD course is designed to help you apply the Code of Ethics to everyday situations and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
Get involved

Global Ethics Day

Each year, ICAEW celebrates Global Ethics Day with a live event and expert views. The theme for 2026 is “Trust in the Digital Age" and our event will be held on 24 October at Chartered Accountants' Hall.
Find out more
Supporting accountants

Ethics and AI

In 2024, ICAEW’s Trust and Ethics Team hosted roundtables on shaping guidance for the accountancy profession on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Read an overview of the discussions, offering insights into real-life use cases and the risks that must be managed.
Download
Regulation

ICAEW Code of Ethics

ICAEW's Code of Ethics applies to all members, students, affiliates and employees of member firms.
Guidance and the code
Support

Ethics recordings

The latest ethics related videos, webinars and podcasts from ICAEW. Find expert insight into ethical decision making, speaking up and ethical standards, which will support your professional development.
Watch now
Online training

Ethics CPD course

ICAEW has created a free online ethics course to support members in meeting their changing continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
Find out more

ICAEW Code of Ethics

ICAEW's Code of Ethics applies to all members, students, affiliates, employees of member firms and, where applicable, member firms, in all of their professional and business activities, whether remunerated or voluntary. The latest edition came into force on 1 July 2025.

About the ICAEW Code of Ethics
  • Regulations
  • 01 Jul 2026
All ICAEW members have a professional duty to comply with the Code of Ethics. They must familiarise themselves thoroughly with the current version of the Code. Find out more about the Code and how to use it.
ICAEW Code of Ethics 2026
  • Regulations
  • 14 Apr 2026
  • PDF (4,110kb)
The 2026 edition of ICAEW's Code of Ethics comes into force on 1 July and includes, new sections on tax planning activities and services.
Code of ethics - the five fundamental principles
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 15 Apr 2026
All ICAEW Chartered Accountants are bound by ICAEW’s Code of Ethics, which is based on five fundamental principles: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentially and professional behaviour.
Code of Ethics - the conceptual framework
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 15 Apr 2026
All ICAEW Chartered Accountants are bound by ICAEW’s Code of Ethics, which contains the conceptual framework to help practitioners identify, evaluate and address threats to their compliance with the Code and its fundamental principles.
ICAEW Code of Ethics 2026
  • Regulations
  • 14 Apr 2026
  • PDF (4,110kb)
The 2026 edition of ICAEW's Code of Ethics comes into force on 1 July and includes, new sections on tax planning activities and services.
The role and mindset expected of professional accountants
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 09 Apr 2026
An overview of the provision in ICAEW's Code of Ethics which are intended to promote the role and mindset expected of all professional accountants.
The impact of technology
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 15 Apr 2026
An overview of the provisions in the ICAEW's Code of Ethics which relate to the impact of technology on the work of accountants, as well as other revisions relating to professional skills.
Professional and personal conduct
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 15 Apr 2026
The 2025 edition of ICAEW's Code of Ethics introduced an important change to the application material within the fundamental principle of professional behaviour. Read guidance on the changes.
More support

Webinar: 2026 Code

On 19 May, ICAEW recorded a webinar outlining the 2026 update to the Code of Ethics and what the changes mean for accountants in practice. It covered the two new sections on tax planning services and activities; and the relationship between the Code and PCRT.

Watch the recording Download slides
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Articles and features

Five AI dilemmas – what would you do?
  • Article
  • 03 Jul 2026
The Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies has launched a discussion about ethical AI use. It wants you to consider how to approach five ethical dilemmas.
New data protection law: do you have a complaints procedure?
  • Article
  • 01 Jul 2026
Since 19 June, all UK-based organisations are legally required to handle data protection complaints and have procedure in place to do so. Find out what you need to know.
No1 offender: conflicts of interest
  • Article
  • 12 Jun 2026
In charity investigations, one issue consistently sits at the heart of the most serious regulatory interventions. According to a recent Charity Commission blog post, a case manager noted that conflicts of interest come up in investigations ‘more than almost anything else.’ Despite being a fundamental area of governance, the Commission has observed a steady upward trend in conflict-related cases, which now feature in many of the cases of misconduct and mismanagement.
Exclusive Building trust and readiness for sustainability assurance
  • Article
  • 21 May 2026
As sustainability considerations become embedded into boardroom decision making, and more sustainability-related information is disclosed for external decision-making, a fundamental question remains: how can this information be trusted?
AI and accountants: the rules and guidance you need to follow
  • Article
  • 20 May 2026
Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical reality for accountancy firms, not a future concept. As Making Tax Digital increases reporting frequency and client touchpoints, many practices are looking for scalable ways to manage growing workloads more efficiently.
Artificial intelligence in audit work: managing the risks
  • Article
  • 06 May 2026
As the 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.
Code of Ethics: are non-compliance provisions working?
  • Article
  • 23 Apr 2026
The accountancy profession is invited to share its practical experience of Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR) and using the restructured Code of Ethics.
2026 Code of Ethics came into force on 1 July
  • Article
  • 15 Apr 2026
Are you ready for the 2026 update to the Code of Ethics? The update introduced two new sections on tax planning services and tax planning activities. Make sure you understand what’s required.
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Videos on ethics

The latest ethics related videos, webinars and podcasts from ICAEW. Find expert insight into ethical decision making, speaking up and ethical standards, which will support your professional development.

Watch now
The latest ethics related videos, webinars and podcasts from ICAEW. Find expert insight into ethical decision making, speaking up and ethical standards, which will support your professional development.

Case studies

Case studies created by the UK and Ireland’s Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) exploring the ethical dilemmas faced by accountants across a range of sectors and roles.
Ethical dilemmas in the non-for-profit sector
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 22 Feb 2022
Six case studies published by CCAB focused on the ethical dilemmas facing professional accountants working in the not-for-profit sector, covering: disclosure of malpractice, fair tender policies, undisclosed employee benefits, performance information and persuading others to tell the truth.
Ethical dilemmas: working in business
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 22 Feb 2022
Seven case studies from CCAB dealing with some of the ethical dilemmas facing accountants working within businesses, covering: pressure to overstate stock valuation, suspicion of false accounting, non-disclosure to auditors, NOCLAR and more.
Ethical dilemmas in the public sector
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 22 Feb 2022
Six case studies from CCAB dealing with some of the ethical dilemmas facing accountants in the public sector, covering: performance information, political pressure, confidential information available during a tendering process and more.
Ethical dilemmas: working as a NED
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 22 Feb 2022
A series of case studies from CCAB dealing with some of the ethical dilemmas facing accountants working as non-executive directors, covering: governance procedures not being followed, confidentiality and conflict of interest, and pressure to make a decision without adequate information.
Ethical dilemmas: public practice
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 22 Feb 2022
Seven case studies from CCAB dealing with some of the ethical dilemmas facing accountants working in public practice, covering: staff performance issues, improper accounting for sales, conflicting clients' interests, financial interest and more.
ICAEW training films
  • Promotional material
  • 24 Apr 2025
ICAEW training films provoke discussions and challenge mindsets about how to deal with difficult decisions and topical issues in business situations. Develop skills to identify risk, technical competence and professional scepticism.

Helpsheets

Support from ICAEW's Technical Advisory Services team, covering ethical issues facing members.

Exclusive Power of attorney
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 07 Dec 2023
Helpsheet giving guidance to ICAEW members on ethical considerations before accepting a Power of Attorney role, explaining types like Lasting and Enduring POA, their legal scope, and when they apply based on mental capacity.
Exclusive Can I be a trustee/director for my non-audit client?
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 17 Mar 2023
Helpsheet giving guidance to ICAEW members on ethical and legal issues when acting as a trustee or director for a non-audit client. It outlines risks to objectivity, required safeguards, and stresses the importance of independence and professional judgment.
Exclusive What is an other entity of public interest (OEPI)?
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 16 Feb 2021
Technical helpsheet issued to help ICAEW members to understand what an other entity of public interest (OEPI) is and when restrictions on providing non-audit / additional services to OEPIs apply from.
Exclusive Working with vulnerable clients
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 28 Jan 2021
This helpsheet will help members identify and support vulnerable clients and act in their best interests. It outlines risk factors like age, health issues, and low income, and emphasizes integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality. It also covers powers of attorney, deputyships, guardianships, staff training, and the TEXAS protocol.
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Key topics

Anti-money laundering law and guidance
Guidance and other work that we have done on anti-money laundering law and practice, in the UK and internationally.
UK company law
Resources include relevant ICAEW technical releases, such as guidance on dividends and distributable profits, and updates on key developments in regulation, prospective legislation and related matters of professional concern to accountants in practice, industry or commerce.
Corporate governance
ICAEW and our members promote good practice in corporate governance.
Economic crime
Access guidance, resources and tools relating to the prevention of economic crime, including legislative developments, anti-money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption, and modern slavery.
Data protection and privacy
All organisations that collect, store or process personal information on living and identifiable people must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018. Additional resources can be found on the GDPR (now the Data Protection Act 2018 in the UK).
Fraud
Fraud is usually taken to mean the gaining of an illicit advantage through deception and in particular the manipulation of financial information or accounting records.
Modern slavery
It is estimated there are more than 40 million people in the world living in conditions of slavery or working under forced or compulsory conditions. In the UK, thousands of cases are reported each year, and authorities estimate there are well over 100,000 victims living in the country.
Whistleblowing
An individual in an organisation who makes disclosures in the public interest about dangerous or illegal activities, in order that the misconduct or perceived misconduct can be addressed, is a whistleblower. Whistleblowing can either occur internally within the employing organisation or externally, and should not be used as a method of resolving a personal complaint or grievance.

Webinars

Webinar: ICAEW Code of Ethics 2026
  • Webinar
  • 19 May 2026
ICAEW has recorded a webinar outlining the 2026 update to the Code and what the changes mean for accountants. It covers: the evolving role and mindset expected of professional accountants; and new provisions governing the use of technology.
ICAEW Code of Ethics 2026 Update
  • Webinar
  • 19 May 2026
Hear from subject matter experts about the recent updates to ICAEW's Code of Ethics in relation to tax planning and related activities which come into effect on 1 July 2026.
Exclusive Car loans: the issue, the Supreme Court decision and the FCA redress scheme
  • Webinar
  • 07 Nov 2025
This webinar recording on Motor Finance addresses one of the most significant consumer finance issues of the year: the fallout from recent court decisions and regulatory investigations into car loans.
SW FRS 102 Periodic Review Amendments - Overview
  • Webinar
  • 14 May 2025
  • PDF (463kb)
This publication provides a summary of key amendments arising from the Periodic Review. It does not contain an exhaustive list of all amendments.

Ethics CPD course

This free online course helps you apply the Code of Ethics to everyday situations, uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, and satisfy your ethics continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.

Find out more
ICAEW's Ethics CPD course is designed to help you apply the Code of Ethics to everyday situations and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

Further resources

icaew communities
Corporate Governance Community
Forensic & Expert Witness Community
Restructuring & Insolvency Community
Solicitors Community
library resources
eBooks on law
related topics
Audit reform and trust in business
Corporate governance
Gender pay gap reporting: the regulations
Professional conduct in relation to taxation (PCRT)