In the UK the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has recently launched a UK Financial Sanctions FAQs webpage. Ninety-one questions and answers are listed including featured FAQs “Are UK entities’ subsidiaries located outside the UK expected to comply with UK sanctions? “and “How do the fees and expenses caps apply? Is it per DP (i.e., for all a DP’s matters across all law firms) or is it per law firm being instructed by a DP?”   This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages 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 pages. 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 these pages, 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 in these pages.

The European Parliament has recently adopted a package of laws strengthening the EU’s toolkit to fight money-laundering and terrorist financing. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism package consists of a directive and two regulations. These are the sixth Anti-Money Laundering directive, the EU “single rulebook” regulation and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) regulation. Click here for a press release from the European Parliament on the package and here to access the Institute’s dedicated pages on anti-money laundering which have recently been updated to include a page dedicated to European Union developments. We understand from the press release that the laws still need to be formally adopted by the European Council before publication in the EU’s Official Journal. There will also be a process of translation of text and the expectation is that publication of the text will occur in the Official Journal between July and September of 2024. This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages 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 pages. 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 these pages, 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 in these pages.  

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, Chartered Accountants Ireland have responded to IAASA’s consultation on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.  Fallon Judge, Director of Civil Enforcement at the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA), provided a very informative session and slides during  a recent edition of our Practice News Webinar. The IASB have also issued its latest standard- IFRS 18. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has published its latest standard IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements. The new standard will be effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2027 (with early adoption permitted) and will replace IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. The new standard carries forward many requirements from IAS 1 unchanged and seeks to improve comparability of the statement of profit or loss, enhance transparency of management defined performance measures and group information in a more useful manner in the financial statements. To support the implementation of IFRS 18, the IASB has included supporting information on an IFRS 18 implementation webpage. This webpage contains educational materials, webinars and implementation questions. Following the issue of IFRS 18, EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, has updated its Endorsement Status Report. EFRAG and the IASB are holding webinars to introduce IFRS 18 on the 7th and 11th June. The IASB has issued an April 2024 IFRS for SMEs Update, which summarises news, events and other information about the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard. The update includes details of recent proposed amendments to the standard. The IASB has concluded its project on Business Combinations under Common Control and has published a project summary which explains the reasons behind the IASB’s decision in November 2023 not to develop requirements for reporting Business Combinations under Common Control. In its recent article entitled “Digital financial reporting—Facilitating digital comparability and analysis of financial reports”, the IFRS Foundation discuss what digital financial reports are, how they are created, and their benefits to stakeholders and other investors. EFRAG has published its March 2024 update. This summarises public technical discussions held, and decisions taken during the month. EFRAG has been gathering stakeholders views on the post-implementation review of IFRS 16 leases and the deadline for submission of views in relation to this is 22 April 2024. EFRAG has published its final comment letter on the IASB’s Exposure Draft ED/2023/5 Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity (Proposed amendments to IAS 32, IFRS 7 and IAS 1). Whilst agreeing with many of the clarifications, EFRAG made some recommendations to the IASB to improve the standards. EFRAG has issued a Feedback Statement which summarises the main comments received on its 2022 Discussion Paper Accounting for Variable Consideration- From a purchaser’s perspective. Accountancy Europe has published its April 2024 SME Update. The UK Endorsement Board (UKEB) has issued a report entitled “The IASB Exposure Draft: Regulatory Assets and Liabilities- A Preliminary Economic Assessment”. The purpose of the report is to provide information and economic analysis that will inform the UKEB’s assessment of the wider economic impacts of a new IFRS standard covering Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, if adopted in the UK in future. The consultation period for the UKEB’s Endorsement Criteria Assessment on Lack of Exchangeability – Amendments to IAS 21 closes on 6 May 2024. The UKEB have announced some outreach activities on the IASB’s Exposure Draft Business Combinations – Disclosures, Goodwill and Impairment. Auditing and Assurance Chartered Accountants Ireland has responded to IAASA’s consultation on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.  Anti–money laundering and sanctions The European Commission last month published a report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive. This report assessed how the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive was implemented. It gives a comprehensive review and touches on particular areas such as beneficial ownership and politically exposed persons. Insolvency The next issue of Introduction to members of the CCAB-I Insolvency Committee was recently published and gives an insight into the career and experience of Committee member Shane McAleer of Somers, Murphy & Earl. Sustainability In the first episode of its new podcast series entitled “the ISSB Implementation Insights podcast” the IFRS Foundation discuss the recent Transition Implementation Group meeting on IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. The European Commission is hosting a half day event entitled “Supporting companies in applying the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)” on 16th May. The event will seek to showcase ongoing initiatives and discuss ideas for further mechanisms to support companies that apply the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards. EFRAG is preparing guidance to help companies disclose their transition plans in line with the ESRS standards and are seeking assistance from European companies to provide input on a variety of practices and challenges in relation to this. Interested entities can apply by 23 April 2024. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have announced their collaboration to support the corporate reporting needs of market participants globally. In doing so they have announced some plans for further joint publications. IFAC, the International Federation of Accountants has released a publication which sets out four key areas where accountants need to update their knowledge to meet the growing demand for high-quality sustainability-related information. Central Bank of Ireland On 9 April 2024, the Central Bank of Ireland published its updated approach to Expectations for Authorisation of Payment and Electronic Money Institutions and Registration of Account Information Service Providers together with a document setting out its expectations regarding the authorisation/registration of these regulated fintech entities. Click here for more information. The Central Bank recently published its 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 2023. The publication provides sectoral data and commentary and identifies key trends and notes that the Credit Union Amendment Act 2023, enacted last December, is a significant development and will provide new business opportunities for credit unions. In other Central Bank news, the Director Financial Regulation, Policy and Risk recently spoke about the Central Bank’s current consultation on its proposed review of the Consumer Protection Code. The review seeks to provide enhanced clarity and predictability, secure customers’ interests and modernise the code. Click here to read the director’s comments. Corporate Enforcement Authority The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has recently issued Information Notice 2024/1 – ‘Circumstances leading to Disqualification under the Companies Act 2014 and the associated consequences.’  The Information Note provides guidance on the purpose and effects of disqualification, and on the various ways in which a person can be disqualified from acting as a company director and also provides guidance on the consequences of breaching a disqualification. The CEA have also issued their April 2024 Newsletter. This focusses on the information note mentioned above, recent media activities and other relevant developments. Fallon Judge, Director of Civil Enforcement at the CEA provided a very informative session and slides during Friday 12 April 2024 edition of Practice News Webinar. Fallon gave a comprehensive overview of the work of the CEA including its investigative capabilities, sources of work and its approach to enforcement. She also drew attention to the information available on the Authority’s website including recent information notes on accepting directorships and guidance regarding disqualification under company law referred to above. A free recording of the webinar is available on the Institute’s YouTube Channel. Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and Knowledge Transfer Ireland are jointly hosting a full-day conference on 23rd April 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane Dublin 8 from 10am.The conference is entitled “Unlocking the Value of Knowledge Transfer Conference” This is part of the event series that the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research and Innovation are conducting across Europe.  Neale Richmond, T.D., Minister for Business, Employment and Retail will open the conference. You can read more here about the conference and how to register . Other The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued the fourth edition of its Report on the Quality and Use of Data which provides transparency on how the data collected under different regulations is used systematically by authorities in the EU and clarifying the actions taken to ensure data quality.   The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is in the initial stages of a research study examining the state of competition across several sectors of the Irish economy. This project will provide an overview of the evolution of competition in Ireland over recent years and in doing so, it may identify competition or consumer protection issues that require further consideration or investigation. It is inviting interested parties to share their views. Click here for more information and details on how to contribute to the study. The closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday 17 May 2024. 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.  

As part of the public consultation on proposed amendments to its fraud standard (ISA 240) the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has published a new four-part video series. The series will help stakeholders understand the proposed changes that strengthen auditor’s responsibilities related to fraud, and the rationale behind them. The proposed changes to ISA 240, published in February 2024,  significantly strengthen auditors’ responsibilities relating to fraud and the IAASB askes stakeholders to respond by June 5, 2024.

Chartered Accountants Ireland have responded to the consultation by IAASA on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.    We believe that ISAE 3000 should be adopted for use for sustainability assurance reporting in Ireland as soon as is practical and that it remains in place until an EU standard is adopted. The first wave of reports will be required in early 2025 therefore it is imperative that a decision is taken quickly. We responded to the IAASB consultation on the proposed new standard ISSA 5000 in December 2023.  We are supportive of the development of this new assurance standard but the timeline for the finalisation and adoption of this standard in the EU means that an interim solution is needed for reporting.  

Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies – Ireland (CCAB-I) Introduction to members of the Insolvency Committee Welcome to another edition of the series which will introduce members of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies – Ireland (CCAB-I) Insolvency Committee over the coming months. We hope to provide information on the work of the Insolvency Committee and insights into the careers and experience of our Committee members. Today we will hear from Shane McAleer. Shane is a Director in Insolvency at Somers Murphy & Earl with over 15 years of experience of advising on a variety of formal and informal restructurings. Shane jointed the CCAB-I Insolvency Committee in 2018. Tell us about your career to date and your route to being an Insolvency Practitioner I grew up in Belfast and from a young age worked with my Dad in the family business. I learned a lot of my good and bad business habits from Dad. As my wife would say “Shane has never paid full price for anything.” Accountancy, never mind Insolvency, was far from radar growing up. Sitting in a lecture theatre in St. Malachy’s College at 17 years old deciding what University courses I should apply for on my UCAS Form was a daunting thought. For some reason Accountancy was my decision. And, I have to say I have never looked back. During a summer term in University, I did some work experience in BDO Belfast where I was given my first taste of insolvency having worked on a few liquidations. Roll forward to 2000, I joined BDO Simpson Xavier where that piece of work experience landed me in the Restructuring department where my insolvency journey began. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in BDO, and a short stint in BDO Sydney, I moved to Moore Stephens Caplin Meehan and then Farrell Grant Sparks, finally ending up in Somers Murphy & Earl with Derek Earl. I took over the Insolvency practice in 2019 and business has been continually growing and developing.        Are you where you expected to be in your career? I can say that I am very happy with where I am in my career today. If anything, I have learned in my 24-year career to date is, to always expect the unexpected! What was the best career advice you got along the way? In two words “Stop” and “Listen.” Throughout my career I have been lucky to have worked in several practices and in each one got the benefit of working and learning alongside some of the most experienced insolvency practitioners in the country. Based on your own experience, what advice do you have for young professionals looking to build a career in corporate insolvency? In my experience working in Corporate Insolvency, no two days are the same. If you want to challenge yourself and develop new and broader skills, then Insolvency is a path worth considering. There are many paths to working in Corporate Insolvency you should consider a professional qualification which will give you a strong knowledge and basic skills base but more importantly the ability to grow and develop professionally. In today’s market many firms are looking for enthusiastic and energetic young professionals keen on building a career in corporate insolvency. How would you define your work style, and how has this evolved over the years? I am not sure I know what my style is! I am at heart a people person. Unfortunately, in our world of insolvency I come across a lot of difficult and emotional stories which has had an impact on my approach to dealing with people. Notwithstanding the emotional side of insolvency, it is important to have a structure and plan in place of what you need to do along with a realistic period of achieving your plan. In terms of managing teams and individuals, what are your insights and views? In Insolvency, everyone must ‘roll up their sleeves.’ In any assignment, it is important that there is clear delegation to the team and each person knows what their role is and reasons for what they are doing. Promoting and encouraging personal and professional development is essential. This should be worked one with each person on an individual basis to ensure that the best path forward is agreed upon. A person’s growth will not only benefit them personally but will provide additional skills to the team. What about communication and negotiating the typical ups and downs of working life? Effective communication is always important. Do not assume that someone knows or should know something. Whether you are communicating with someone or waiting on a response from someone be clear at all times of what your point is or what you require. Has networking played an important part in your career? Your reputation is key to any future success and building a career. Effective networking with the right contacts and people allows you access to the ability to get work and refer work and developing your reputation. Networking has been an essential part of my 24-year career, I am still in contact with many friends and colleagues who I trained and worked with along my career because you just never know where the next referral will come from. What is the current position with regards to the level of insolvencies in Ireland? If only I had a crystal ball! Covid, an energy crisis, interest rate increases, increased minimum wage, increased costs and €1.7bn of warehouse debt to be repaid. The current level of insolvencies based on the current climate appear low. From chatting with other insolvency practitioners there is an expectation that there will be more insolvencies, the question is when?   Disclaimer: The views of contributors to this series of articles may differ from official Institute and Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies - Ireland (CCAB-I) policies and are not necessarily endorsed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, its Council, its committees or any other person or entity associated with the Institute. The publishers, editor, and authors accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or any loss resulting from any person acting, or refraining from acting, because of views expressed or advertisements appearing in this publication.