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What tech businesses need to know in 2026
Christopher Perrin
As an accountant or accountancy technician hopefully you will proceed through your career without becoming involved in any sort of disciplinary proceedings. However, you are not immune from being the subject of a complaint from a client to your regulatory body. Whether you are regulated by the ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAS or the AAT, there is always the possibility of an unwelcome approach by the disciplinary team of your regulator. Each regulator has a duty, in the public interest, to investigate complaints against its members. High profile complaints will usually be investigated by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), which has a similar duty to consider all matters referred to it, with a view to deciding whether disciplinary proceedings are required.
In October the ICAEW updated its Guidance on the Duty to Report Misconduct. The ICAEW first issued Guidance on this topic way back in 1993. While amendments have been made since then to update references to legislation, bye-laws and guidance, this is the first wholesale re-issue. So what’s changed? The fundamental principle that it’s in the public interest to report matters which, if left unreported, could adversely affect the reputation of the profession, remains the same . However, there are some quite significant changes to the detail of what should be reported, reflecting a shift in attitudes since 1993 in the requirements and expectations of professionals. The new Guidance adds to this the need to report matters which, if left unreported, could adversely affect the reputation of the ICAEW, as the regulator.
Audit is more in the spotlight than ever. The financial news pages seem to have a constant stream of stories about corporate collapses, with the inevitable commentary about how the auditor of the collapsed entity is likely to face a regulatory investigation.
It may come as a surprise to learn that anyone can use the title accountant without having any formal qualification or membership of a professional body. The use of the term ‘Chartered Accountant’ is more controversial. We examine the nuances of these designations in the current regulatory regime, when they can be used and what consequences an individual may face for any perceived misuse.
From 1 April 2019, criminal conduct by ICAEW members will be dealt with according to the new version of the Guidance on Sanctions, which simplifies as well as amplifies the 2018 version.
Further changes will follow in July 2019, with the introduction of new guidance for Anti-Money Laundering breaches where the relevant conduct has not resulted in a criminal conviction.
Christopher Perrin
Oliver Oldman
Jessica Etherington
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