International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants


The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants develops and promotes the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. The IESBA also supports debate on issues related to accounting ethics and auditor independence.

Organization

The IESBA sets its standards in the public interest with advice from the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group and under the oversight of the Public Interest Oversight Board.
The IESBA is dedicated to operating as transparent as possible. IESBA meetings are open to the public. The agendas, agenda papers, meeting highlights and audio recordings for each meeting are posted on the IESBA's website. In addition, the IESBA's website includes information about the IESBA's Strategy and Work Plan and its various projects and initiatives. The IESBA's website also includes resources, including Staff Q&As and the IESBA eCode to help support the adoption and implementation of the IESBA Code.

Activities

In 2018, the IESBA issued a revised and restructured Code which came into effect in June 2019. The revised and restructured Code includes many substantive revisions, including in relation to non-compliance with laws and regulations. The 2018 version of the Code makes it clear that professional accountants, in whatever capacity they are engaged, cannot turn a blind eye to NOCLAR. The provisions in the Code, including NOCLAR guide ethical behavior and help professional accountants uphold their responsibility to act in the public interest. The IESBA Code also includes a principles-based definition of what constitutes a network. The definition covers the way a group of companies operate and present themselves, and is consistent with the Statutory Audit Directive.
The IESBA periodically issues revisions to the IESBA Code. In 2019, the IESBA issued revisions to Part 4B of the IESBA Code to Reflect Terms and Concepts Used in ISAE 3000. Part 4B of the Code comprises the independence standards for assurance engagements other than audit and review engagements.
Convergence of international and national ethical standards is a high priority for the IESBA. Accordingly, IESBA members, Technical Advisors and Staff participate in various stakeholder outreach meetings and events to promote awareness and adoption of the IESBA Code.
IFAC supports and promotes the development, adoption, and implementation of high-quality international standards, including the Code. IFAC periodically issues a Global Status Report on the adoption of international standards, including the IESBA Code. The most recent Global Status Report was issued in October 2019.
Professional accountancy organizations who are members the International Federation of Accountants, such as Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the Institute of Management Accountants and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland bodies are required to adopt the IESBA Code of Ethics.
In addition, the Forum of Firms which is an independent association of international networks of firms that perform transnational audits commits to having policies and methodologies that conform to the IESBA Code and national codes of ethics.

International Code of Ethics Structure

The following is the full table of contents and sections from the 2025 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

Part 1 – Complying with the Code, Fundamental Principles and Conceptual Framework

100 Complying with the Code110 The Fundamental Principles
  • * 111 – Integrity
  • * 112 – Objectivity
  • * 113 – Professional Competence and Due Care
  • * 114 – Confidentiality
  • * 115 – Professional Behavior120 The Conceptual Framework

Part 2 – Professional Accountants in Business

200 Applying the Conceptual Framework – Professional Accountants in Business210 Conflicts of Interest220 Preparation and Presentation of Information230 Acting with Sufficient Expertise240 Financial Interests, Compensation and Incentives Linked to Financial Reporting and Decision Making250 Inducements, Including Gifts and Hospitality260 Responding to Non-compliance with Laws and Regulations270 Pressure to Breach the Fundamental Principles280 Tax Planning Activities

Part 3 – Professional Accountants in Public Practice

300 Applying the Conceptual Framework – Professional Accountants in Public Practice310 Conflicts of Interest320 Professional Appointments321 Second Opinions325 Objectivity of an Engagement Quality Reviewer and Other Appropriate Reviewers330 Fees and Other Types of Remuneration340 Inducements, Including Gifts and Hospitality350 Custody of Client Assets360 Responding to Non-compliance with Laws and Regulations380 Tax Planning Services

International Independence Standards

Part 4A – Independence for Audit and Review Engagements

400 Applying the Conceptual Framework to Independence for Audit and Review Engagements405 Group Audits410 Fees411 Compensation and Evaluation Policies420 Gifts and Hospitality430 Actual or Threatened Litigation510 Financial Interests511 Loans and Guarantees520 Business Relationships521 Family and Personal Relationships522 Recent Service with an Audit Client523 Serving as a Director or Officer of an Audit Client524 Employment With an Audit Client525 Temporary Personnel Assignments540 Long Association of Personnel with an Audit Client600 Provision of Non-Assurance Services to an Audit Client

Part 4B – Independence for Assurance Engagements Other than Audit and Review Engagements

900 Applying the Conceptual Framework to Independence for Assurance Engagements905 Fees906 Gifts and Hospitality907 Actual or Threatened Litigation910 Financial Interests911 Loans and Guarantees920 Business Relationships921 Family and Personal Relationships922 Recent Service with an Assurance Client923 Serving as a Director or Officer of an Assurance Client924 Employment with an Assurance Client940 Long Association of Personnel with an Assurance Client950 Provision of Non-assurance Services to Assurance Clients990 Reports that Include a Restriction on Use and Distribution