Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, PCAOB oversight extends to non-U.S. firms that audit or play a substantial role in the audit of U.S. issuers and broker-dealers. In exercising our oversight authority outside of the U.S., we benefit greatly from cross-border cooperation.
To facilitate cross-border cooperation, we often enter into formal cooperative arrangements with foreign audit regulators to work closely in many of these jurisdictions on joint inspections and enforcement matters.
The PCAOB has conducted inspections of one or more firms in over 50 non-U.S. jurisdictions. We have worked closely with our international counterparts in many of these jurisdictions on joint inspections as well as enforcement matters, and we have built constructive relationships that facilitate meaningful cooperation. We often enter into formal cooperative arrangements with foreign audit regulators to facilitate cross-border cooperation. With respect to China, we do not have equivalent cooperation and access.
NOTE: The information contained on this webpage does not constitute a Board determination under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA) or PCAOB Rule 6100. For information regarding the HFCAA and Rule 6100, including a list of determinations currently in effect, please visit our HFCAA page.
International Cooperation
The PCAOB engages on both a bilateral and multilateral basis with non-U.S. audit oversight regulators. International cooperation strengthens audit quality globally and facilitates our ability to accomplish our mission to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports.
PCAOB Cooperative Arrangements with Non-U.S. Regulators
Board Determinations Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act
China-Related Access Challenges
We remain concerned about our lack of access in China and will continue to pursue available options to protect investors and the public interest through the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. The PCAOB publishes additional
information regarding the nature and scope of the access restrictions. This includes lists identifying the audit reports for public companies issued by registered firms located where obstacles to PCAOB inspections exist.
China-Related Access Challenges
Recent Updates
PCAOB makes HFCAA determinations regarding mainland China and Hong Kong.
PCAOB adopted a new rule related to the PCAOB’s responsibilities under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA).
International