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ICAEW Code of Ethics

The ICAEW 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 iteration of the code came into force on 1 July 2025.
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Part 1 - complying with the code, fundamental principles and conceptual framework Part 2 - professional accountants in business Part 3 - professional accountants in public practice Part 4A - independence for audit and review engagements Part 4B - independence for other assurance engagements Insolvency Code of Ethics
Insolvency Code of Ethics 2025
A revision to the ICAEW Insolvency Code of Ethics came into force on 1 October 2025. Find out more about the changes and what they mean for you.
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How to use the code

About the ICAEW Code of Ethics ICAEW vs IESBA codes Code of Ethics - the conceptual framework Code of ethics - the five fundamental principles See code with 2025 changes highlighted Webinar: ICAEW Code of Ethics 2025 Glossary Code of Ethics archive

Guidance and support

The role and mindset expected of professional accountants The impact of technology Objectivity of an engagement quality reviewer Professional and personal conduct Guidance on NOCLAR

Support on Part 4A of the Code

Engagement team and group audit Fees charged to audit clients PIEs and listed entities Provision of non-assurance services to an audit client

Members undertaking audits in accordance with UK ISAs and other public interest assurance engagements in the UK are expected to apply the FRC definition of a public interest entity (PIE) and to follow the FRC's Ethical Standard 2024.

Where an engagement is being undertaken in accordance with the FRC Ethical Standard, there is no requirement to also comply with Part 4A of the ICAEW Code in relation to the same engagement.

IESBA Conference 2025

  • Event
  • 15 Sep 2025
Focused on ethics and auditor independence, this year's event includes sessions on regulatory shifts, capital markets, trust in accounting firms and the impact of technology. Attend the free event online or in person in Lisbon, Portugal.
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Middle-aged white man studying laptop screen and taking notes

Webinar: 2025 changes

ICAEW has recorded a webinar outlining the 2025 update to the Code of Ethics and what the changes mean for accountants in practice. It covered: the evolving role and mindset expected of professional accountants; and provisions governing the use of technology.

Watch the recording

Download slides
Laura Hough, ICAEW's Director of Trust and Ethics, recording a podcast

Podcast: revisions to the Code

Hear from ICAEW's Director of Trust and Ethics, Laura Hough, on the key changes to the Code of Ethics from 1 July 2025.

Listen now

Trust and ethics support

ICAEW publishes a range of guidance and resources to support finance practitioners on key ethical issues, including economic crime, business law, better regulation and whistle blowing.

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Ethics CPD course

ICAEW provides a free online course to help members 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 and enrol