The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) took a major leap forward at its December 2024 meeting, approving two sets of standards that will underpin public trust in sustainability reporting and assurance:

• The International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA) and related revisions to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code), setting a global benchmark for ethical behavior and independence in sustainability reporting and assurance.
• Revisions to the Code on the Using the Work of an External Expert, establishing an ethical framework for evaluating the competence, capabilities and objectivity of external experts used by professional accountants and sustainability assurance practitioners.

The Board also approved a project plan to develop a new standard on accounting firm culture and governance, focusing, among other matters, on ethical leadership and accountability within accounting firms.

The Board marked the departure of two esteemed members, Vice Chair Laurie Endsley, IESBA Vice Chair, and Andy Mintzer. Their dedicated service and contributions have helped significantly shape the IESBA’s work.

Recordings of this week’s meetings will soon be available on the IESBA YouTube channel. Stay tuned for updates as IESBA prepares for the global release of the new sustainability-related standards in January 2025.

For more information, visit ethicsboard.org.