AICPA issues blockchain guidance for auditors
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has issued a white paper to help auditors providing SOC reports on organisations that have incorporated blockchain into their service delivery systems.
The white paper, Implications of the Use of Blockchain in SOC for Service Organisation Examinations, was developed by a working group of the AICPA Assurance Service Executive Committee (ASEC). The paper explores the skills auditors need to perform such engagements, unique features of blockchain, risks associated with using blockchain, and how the use of blockchain by service organisation may affect SOC examinations.
AICPA vice president – assurance and advisory innovation – Amy Pawlicki said: “As the use of blockchain increases, it’s likely that more service organisations will decide to use blockchain. Auditors hired to perform their SOC engagements need a deeper understanding of the technology and the risks it presents to the service organisation and those who use their services.”
