The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has initiated a public consultation on narrow-scope amendments to its standards to ensure they align with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ (IESBA) Code of Ethics.  

These amendments specifically address the use of external experts in audits and other assurance engagements. 

The IAASB’s project proposal for these targeted amendments was approved at its March 2025 meeting.  

The amendments focus on four standards: ISA 620, ISRE 2400 (Revised), ISAE 3000 (Revised), and ISRS 4400 (Revised). 

These relate to the use of an auditor’s expert, review engagements, assurance engagements, and agreed-upon procedures engagements, respectively. 

The IAASB and IESBA have worked closely to ensure maximum alignment between the IAASB’s standards and the IESBA Code. 

In December 2023, the IESBA approved an exposure draft for proposed revisions to its code regarding the use of external experts.  

These provisions were further approved at the IESBA’s December 2024 meeting.  

The amendments aim to focus on evaluating and concluding on the competence, capabilities, and objectivity of external experts.  

The IESBA believes aligning the effective date of these amendments with the revised code provisions, set for 15 December 2026, is in the public interest. 

The IAASB expects to approve the final pronouncement by either September or December 2025, proposing an implementation period of roughly one year following certification by the Public Interest Oversight Board.  

In January 2025, the IAASB and IESBA launched a joint initiative to enhance trust and transparency in sustainability reporting and assurance, setting unified global standards for sustainability assurance practices.