In this eNews you will find:
- Highlights from our September meeting
- 2026 IAASB Handbook
- Audit Evidence and risk response proposals
- Our plans for Q4 2026
- Key dates for this quarter
Highlights from Our September Meeting
Topics we discussed at our September 2026 meeting included:
• Strategy and Work Plan 2028–2031 – We discussed the responses to the joint stakeholder survey that was published earlier this year with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). Survey responses will inform an IAASB consultation paper on the Strategies and Work Plan for 2028–2031, expected in early 2027.
• Technology Quality Management – We discussed drafts of the first two guides in the Technology Quality Management guide series. The first will be on common conceptual foundation and the second on firm-level quality management before deployment.
• ISA 500 Series (Project Stage: Exposure Draft Development) – We discussed the first full drafts of Proposed ISA 501 (Revised) as it relates to inventory, Proposed ISA 505 (Revised), External Confirmations, and significant proposed conforming and consequential amendments.
• Post Implementation Review of ISA 540 (Revised), Auditing Accounting Estimates and Related Disclosures – We discussed responses to the online survey for the post-implementation review of ISA 540 (Revised) and the proposed direction for the way forward.
• Other Assurance Engagements – We discussed the initial findings from information-gathering activities, which will inform a final report and recommendations expected at our December 2026 meeting.
Recordings of the September 2026 meeting are available on our YouTube channel; more information on our projects can be found on the Latest on Our Projects web page.
2026 IAASB Handbook
The 2026 edition of our Handbook of International Quality Management, Auditing, Review, Sustainability and Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements was released last week.
The following standards, which become effective in December 2026, are included in the 2026 Handbook:
• ISA 570 (Revised 2024), Going Concern
• ISSA 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements
Share Your Views on Our Audit Evidence and Risk Response Proposals
In early August, we opened a public consultation on proposed revisions to ISA 330, ISA 500, and ISA 520 to enhance the risk-based audit framework and address technological advances. Comments are requested by December 15, 2026.
Building on recent revisions—including ISA 315 (Revised 2019)—the proposals further embed, clarify, and strengthen a principles-based, risk-based audit framework. They also address the increased use of technology in business, financial reporting, and auditing.
• Establish a comprehensive basis for auditors' judgments about audit evidence.
• Strengthen auditors' responses to assessed risks.
• Reinforce professional skepticism and professional judgment throughout the audit.
• Support innovation while remaining principles-based rather than technology-specific.
We have also developed a package of resources to support stakeholder, including:
• A user consultation survey, which offers users of financial statements a targeted way to provide feedback
• A two-part global webinar series on September 29–30 and October 5–7 in which we explore key aspects of the proposals and include live Q&A. Recordings of the webinars will be available in our YouTube channel after they air.
• A technical video series that takes a deeper look at key aspects of the proposed revisions.
• A slide deck to help stakeholders engage with their members and stakeholders on our proposed revisions.
• A supplemental table mapping key changes to the original project objectives.
Access all Exposure Drafts and related materials on the IAASB website: www.iaasb.org/AuditEvidence-RiskResponse
Looking Ahead: Our Plans for Q4 2026
Technology Quality Management
We have been working on developing the non-authoritative guide series on applying the IAASB’s quality management standards to AI-enabled technological tools. Guide 1, Common Conceptual Foundation is anticipated in November, subject to approval at our October 28, 2026 mid-quarter meeting.
ISSA 5000 on Sustainability Assurance
As we continue supporting adoption and implementation of ISSA 5000, we are developing additional frequently asked questions (FAQ) and updating jurisdictional adoption information. In Q4 2026, we plan to release FAQs on general matters, including matters which were not addressed in other implementation guidance, and an IAASB-IESBA joint FAQ. Access resources on the dedicated ISSA 5000 web page.
Key Dates for this Quarter
• On October 20 and 21 our Stakeholder Advisory Council will meet in New York. You can find more information about this meeting on the October 2026 meeting web page. This meeting will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
• On October 22, we will meet with our Jurisdictional Standard Setters.
• On October 28, the IAASB will have a virtual mid-quarter meeting in which we will discuss guide 1 of the Technology Quality Management guide series and Proposed ISA 501 (Revised) as it relates to inventory. The meeting agenda and meeting papers will be available on our October 2026 meeting web page approximately one week in advance of the meeting. This meeting will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
• From December 7 to 10, the IAASB will meet in Madrid. The meeting agenda and meeting papers will be available on our December 2026 meeting web page approximately two weeks in advance of the meeting. This meeting will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.