PCAOB Revises Standard-Setting Agenda and Adds Rulemaking Projects to Enhance Investor Protection

The staff of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) today posted a revised standard-setting agenda that includes the addition of two projects slated for short-term action. The PCAOB also announced four new projects aimed at improving PCAOB rules to protect investors. The rulemaking projects focus on enhancing investor transparency and enforcement of PCAOB rules and standards. Both the standard-setting and rulemaking projects can be found on the Standard-Setting, Research, and Rulemaking Projects page.

“The PCAOB is pursuing one of the most ambitious standard-setting agendas in its history, and the updates reflect the solid progress that we are making to carry out that agenda,” said PCAOB Chair Erica Y. Williams. “Our new rulemakings also show our commitment to making enhancements that will allow the PCAOB to execute our mission to protect investors more effectively and efficiently.”

Standard-Setting Project Changes

The following are changes related to standard-setting projects:

• Two projects moved to the agenda for short-term action: The PCAOB’s short-term list shows those standard-setting projects where a Board action (e.g., proposal or adoption) is anticipated in fewer than 12 months. The short-term list now includes Firm and Engagement Performance Metrics, which previously was listed on the PCAOB’s Research agenda. Substantive Analytical Procedures was moved to the short-term list from the mid-term category.
• Two projects added to mid-term category: Mid-term projects are those projects where PCAOB staff is actively engaged but Board action is not anticipated in the next 12 months. On the mid-term list, the PCAOB added projects on Use of a Service Organization and Interim Financial Information Reviews.

New Rulemaking Projects

While separate from PCAOB standards, the four new rulemakings included in this update consider how PCAOB rules could be enhanced in the following areas: firm reporting and transparency, contributory liability, follow-on disciplinary proceedings, and registration.

As with standard-setting projects, proposed changes to PCAOB rules from these rulemaking projects will go through a public notice-and-comment process to gather input from investors and other stakeholders.

Learn more about PCAOB standard setting at our Standards page. For standards-related inquiries, please use our contact form.

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About the PCAOB

The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. The PCAOB also oversees the audits of brokers and dealers, including compliance reports filed pursuant to federal securities laws.

Contact

PCAOB Office of Communications and Engagement
[email protected]