Exploring why auditors are missing red flags in audits, the challenges faced by regulators and investors, deficiencies in audits by big four firms, and the push for stricter global standards in the auditing industry. The podcast also discusses the need for auditors to detect wrongdoing more effectively and the ongoing evolution of audit practices to ensure trust in capital markets.
Auditors' failure to detect red flags in corporate accounts raises regulatory concerns globally.
Regulators aim to modernize auditing standards to enhance fraud detection and clarify auditors' responsibilities across industries.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Wells Fargo Scandal and Auditors' Role
The podcast delves into the Wells Fargo scandal, where thousands of unauthorized accounts were opened without customer consent, leading to billions of dollars in fines and executive ousting. It highlights the shocking revelation of systemic fraud and the pivotal role auditors, like KPMG, played in failing to flag internal investigations early on. This scandal underscores the ongoing concerns about auditors' effectiveness in detecting corporate fraud and the increasing deficiencies identified by regulators in audits.
Key Point 2: Regulatory Efforts and Challenges
The episode discusses the regulatory response to audit failures, emphasizing the need to modernize standards and clarify auditors' responsibilities globally. Regulators aim to enhance audit procedures by expanding auditors' roles in detecting noncompliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, banking, and environmental regulations. Despite resistance from auditors citing concerns about increased costs and role expansion, regulators are determined to address the expectations gap and ensure investors get the audit quality they expect.
Key Point 3: Future of Auditing and Regulatory Evolution
The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of auditing, highlighting the advancements in technology such as AI to improve fraud detection and audit quality. The continuous evolution of audit practices necessitates ongoing regulatory updates to keep pace with industry changes. The crucial role of audits in maintaining trust in capital markets underscores the significance of getting regulations right to enhance audit effectiveness and investor confidence.
Audit firms are supposed to put a company’s books under the microscope. But these days, regulators are finding an increasing number of flaws in the audits that they inspect. The FT’s US accounting editor Stephen Foley explains what’s going wrong, and how regulators around the world plan to fix these shortcomings.