To raise awareness of potential issues and to help auditors use external confirmation procedures more effectively, the staff of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released a new audit practice alert. Titled
Emerging Practice Issues Regarding the Use of External Confirmations in an Audit of Financial Statements , the alert highlights areas within the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) that are particularly relevant when deciding to request external confirmations, designing and carrying out confirmation procedures, and evaluating responses received. The alert also raises awareness of potential issues that may surface from the increasing use of technology in the confirmation process and the use of restrictive language by respondents.