Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, the Central Bank of Ireland has published the annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2024.  The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has released the March edition of its Podcast covering the latest developments in sustainability and financial reporting. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published its annual review of structured digital reporting highlighting key areas for improvement in how UK listed companies present their digital annual reports. The FRC has released two new podcasts in their “in conversation” series. Discussing the FRC’s end-to-end enforcement process review Transforming access to company data The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has released the March edition of its Podcast, covering the latest developments in sustainability and financial reporting. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has announced that it has started its Post-implementation Review of IFRS 16 Leases. The IASB expects to issue a Request for Information (RFI) for this in June 2025. In preparation for this, the UK Endorsement Board has invited preparers who are lessees to complete a survey on the ongoing costs and benefits of applying the standard. EFRAG has called on stakeholders in the field of corporate reporting to participate in the European Commission’s (EC) consultation on the future EU long-term budget. This consultation runs until 6 May. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has released its April 2025 podcast and its Q1 2025 IFRS Interpretations Committee podcast. The CCAB has published an updated draft of its LLP SORP. This will be open for public comment for a 12 week period until 22 July 2025. The draft SORP contains updates which take into account the amendments to FRS 102 following the 2024 periodic review, as well as other factors. Once finalised, it is proposed the SORP would be effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2026. Auditing IAASB are consulting on a Proposed Narrow-Scope Amendments to Standards Arising from the IESBA’s Using the Work of an External Expert Project These proposed narrow-scope amendments are aimed at maintaining interoperability between IAASB standards and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code). Responses are due by 24 July. The targeted amendments focus on the following IAASB standards: ISA 620, Using the Work of an Auditor’s Expert ISRE 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements ISAE 3000 (Revised), Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information ISRS 4400 (Revised), Agreed-upon Procedures Engagements IAASA has released its first publication as part of its 2025 AQS Insight Series which focuses on key messages on auditing related parties. IAASA has published its annual Profile of the Profession for 2024.  The Profile of the Profession provides a statistical profile of the five Prescribed Accountancy Bodies (PABs) within IAASA’s supervisory remit. It includes information on members and students, approved statutory auditors and statutory audit firms, and the regulation and monitoring of members, statutory auditors and statutory audit firms. Sustainability EFRAG has submitted its work plan to the European Commission outlining the steps it will take to fulfil the specific mandate received on 27 March 2025 to provide technical advice on the revision and simplification of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The IFRS Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote the adoption and implementation of the ISSB standards across Latin America and the Caribbean. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has published Exposure Draft ISSB/ED/2025/1 ‘Amendments to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Disclosures’ with comments requested by 27 June 2025. The ISSB has published a new episode of its “Perspectives on sustainability disclosure” series entitled “Ramping up systems and processes for sustainability data”. Central Bank of Ireland The Central Bank of Ireland has published the annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report, which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2024.   Other news Carmichael, a specialist training and support body for non-profits in Ireland has published its latest Governance Dilemma Newsletter. These newsletters look at a real-life challenge that a Board has faced and consider a range of responses to that challenge. The most recent edition considers the issue of procurement contracts being issued where there is a conflict of interest in place. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of Elaine Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Cedar Foundation, as the new independent Chair of its Stakeholder Engagement Forum. The Charities Regulator has issues the latest edition of the Charities Regulator News. In it you will find information including more details on charity financial reporting in Ireland. The news includes information  on the updated  Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) and details on  a (UK) public consultation on the updated Charities SORP which is now open. The deadline for completion of the consultation is midday, Friday 20th June 2025. It is also noted in the magazine that under changes in the (Irish) Charities (Amendment) Act 2024, accounting regulations will be introduced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development (who is the Minister responsible for charities) that are likely to include the Charities’ SORP. There are also updates in the magazine on trustee recruitment and retention and on the Charities Regulator stakeholder forum. They expect to be able to announce the members of the forum by early May. Accountancy Europe has issued its April 2025 SME Update and Newsletter. The UK Insolvency Service published guidance relating to director disqualification sanctions, which prohibit individuals designated under the UK sanctions regime from acting as, or being involved in the management, promotion or formation of, a company. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.    This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.  

On 14 April, the European Council approved the European Commission’s proposal to postpone the dates of application of certain sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. The proposal (often referred to the “Stop the clock” proposal) postpones;  by two years the entry into application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements for large companies that have not yet started reporting, as well as listed SMEs, and  by one year the transposition deadline and the first phase of the application (covering the largest companies) of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).  Following the approval by the European Council, the legislative act was published in the EU’s Official Journal on 16 April. Member States, including Ireland, will be required to transpose the Directive into their national legislation by 31 December 2025. 

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, following public consultation last year IAASA has published a revised Ethical Standard for Auditors (Ireland).  The effective date of the revised standard is for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026. Early adoption is permitted.  The European Council has approved the Commission's proposal to postpone certain sustainability reporting requirements.  Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below.  Financial Reporting   The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has published its Final Comment Letter on the IFRS Foundation’s Exposure Draft Proposed Amendments to the IFRS Foundation Due Process Handbook.  The IFRS Foundation is hosting episode 9 of its “Perspectives on Sustainability Disclosure” webinar on 24 April.  The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published the key observations from the pilot phase of its actuarial monitoring programme.  The FRC has announced the introduction of a quarterly consultation release schedule. This is intended to provide consistency and clarity for stakeholders as they prepare for and respond to consultations.  The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a Consultation Paper on the new clearing thresholds under the review of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR 3). The consultation will remain open for comments until 16 June which will be followed by a final report and submission of draft technical standards to the European Commission by end 2025.  The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), has published the latest edition of its Spotlight on Markets Newsletter.  The UK Department for Business and Trade has announced the appointment of Paul Lee as the next UK Endorsement Board Chair.  Auditing  Following public consultation last year, IAASA has published a revised Ethical Standard for Auditors (Ireland). The effective date of the revised standard is for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026. Early adoption is permitted.  The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released its revised International Standard on Auditing 570 (Revised 2024), Going Concern. The revised standard responds to corporate failures that raised questions regarding auditors’ responsibilities by significantly enhancing the auditor’s work in evaluating management’s assessment of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The revise standard is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026.  The IAASB also approved ISA 240 (Revised), The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements. The standard will be effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2026, which is the same effective date as for the revised going concern standard.  The IAASB have also withdrawn ISAE 3410 Assurance Engagements on Greenhouse Gas Statements, once ISSA 5000 on sustainability assurance becomes effective as ISSA 5000 addresses all sustainability assurance engagements, including greenhouse gas-related information.  Sustainability  On 14 April, the European Council approved the European Commission’s proposal to postpone the dates of application of certain sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. The proposal (often referred to the “Stop the clock” proposal) postpones;  by two years the entry into application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements for large companies that have not yet started reporting, as well as listed SMEs, and  by one year the transposition deadline and the first phase of the application (covering the largest companies) of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).  Following the approval by the European Council, the legislative act will be published in the EU’s Official Journal. Member States, including Ireland, will be required to transpose the Directive into their national legislation by 31 December 2025.  The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has issued its April 2025 update and podcast.  EFRAG has launched a call for input on the revision of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs) Set 1 with comments requested by 6 May 2025.  The IFRS Foundation and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) to formalise their collaboration.   Following on from the European Commission’s Omnibus Proposals, which seek to reduce the reporting burden on European Companies, Accountancy Europe has issued a statement addressing the ESRS Revision Due Process.  Economic Crime & Anti-money laundering   In April 2025 Accountancy Europe issued its new publication “New EU AML rules: advice for accountancy practitioners”. The document “…outlines concrete steps for accountancy practices, national institutes of accountants, auditors and advisors to take to be ready when the EU anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation takes effect in 2027….”  The European Banking Authority has recently issued its April EBA AML/CFT Newsletter which contains lots of information on AML matters. It includes news on crypto-assets and the EBA consultation on new rules related to the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism package AMLD6.  The Minister for Justice invites expressions of interest for appointment of ordinary members of the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption. The Council was established in 2022 following the Hamilton report. It advises and makes proposals on strategic and policy responses and is responsible for developing a multi-annual strategy to combat economic crime and corruption.  The UK National Crime Agency has published its latest SARs in action magazine Issue 31. You can read the SARs magazine from the link here.  Other news  The Institute has recently published a webpage on Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 - Changes in Companies House. The aim of this webpage is to inform members of the recent Companies House identity verification changes and how to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.   Following the webinar the Institute hosted with Sean Tierney from the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) on 25 March 2025 "Directors’ duties and responsibilities – what you need to know” we have published some of the questions and potential answers which were discussed at the webinar on the Business law and regulation pages on the Technical Hub.  Readers should also note that there are very useful FAQs on the CEA website – cea.gov.ie CEA-FAQs if readers have further questions about company law or the CEA’s work.   The Pensions Authority has published its supervisory activities report for 2024 which details observations and findings identified over the course of 2024.  The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its Consultation Paper on the remaining Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) for external reviewers under the European Green Bonds Regulation.  On Monday, 7 April 2025 the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) launched its fifth EU-wide stress test for pension schemes (IORPs) which will focus on the impact of adverse market developments on the liquidity position of IORPs.   The European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael Mc Grath recently welcomed the launch of a new set of guidelines for businesses in Ireland. The guidelines focus on what traders must do to uphold consumer rights when selling goods and services, following the introduction of new rules in the Consumer Rights Act 2022. Click the link above to read more about the guides which cover consumer remedies in sale of goods contracts and consumer remedies in service contracts.  The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke has announced government approval to accelerate the development of a new whole-of-government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity with a suite of measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness.  For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.       This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.   

On April 8th, the Institute published Technical Release TR 01/2025 Guidance on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This Technical Release covers the application of the CSRD in Ireland, including; An introduction to the CSRD Transposition of the CSRD in Ireland Scoping and timelines The Technical Release covers the CSRD legislation as currently drafted in Ireland. It does not address the potential implications of the recent Omnibus Proposals. This Technical Release is available to members by logging in to the Institute Technical Content section of the website. We hope to update this publication with supplementary content in coming months.

Following public consultation last year, IAASA has published a revised Ethical Standard for Auditors (Ireland). As part of the revisions to the standard, IAASA has also updated its Glossary of Terms. IAASA has also published a feedback paper which summarises its response to the main points raised by the consultation respondents. The effective date of the revised standard is for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The feedback paper is available here. The responses received are available here. The revised standard is available here. The revised Glossary of Terms is available here.    

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released its revised International Standard on Auditing 570 (Revised 2024), Going Concern. The revised standard responds to corporate failures that raised questions regarding auditors’ responsibilities by significantly enhancing the auditor’s work in evaluating management’s assessment of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The revise standard is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December, 2026. ISA 570 (Revised 2024) introduces several key changes: Robust risk assessment. Auditors must conduct, in a more timely manner, thorough risk assessments to determine whether events or conditions are identified that may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Evaluating Management’s Assessment. Auditors must evaluate management’s assessment of going concern irrespective of whether events or conditions are identified. In doing so, auditors must consider the potential for management bias and evaluate the underlying method, significant assumptions, and data used when management formed its assessment. Additionally, auditors must evaluate whether management’s judgements and decisions indicate potential bias. Extended date of evaluation period. The auditor’s evaluation period for going concern now extends at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements, contributing to an assessment of more relevant, decision-useful information. Enhanced transparency. The standard requires clearer communication in the auditor’s report about the auditor’s responsibilities and work related to going concern and strengthened communications with those charged with governance and external parties. The IAASB also developed a fact sheet and Basis for Conclusions, which are available on the IAASB’s website. The IAASB will also issue a frequently asked questions document and technical overview video to support the revised standard’s implementation.