International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)

OVERVIEW

Overview

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is a global body dedicated to serving the public interest by setting high-quality ethics and independence standards. These standards are designed to strengthen trust in financial and sustainability information, supporting the integrity of organizations and capital markets worldwide.

Mission and focus areas

IESBA focuses on developing and maintaining the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which includes the International Independence Standards. Recent focus areas include the development of global ethics and independence standards for sustainability assurance and addressing ethical considerations related to emerging technologies. Its strategy for 2024–2027 emphasizes advancing the centrality of ethics for a more sustainable future.

Structure and governance

IESBA operates under a Public Interest Framework and adheres to specific Terms of Reference and operating procedures. It functions as an independent standard-setting board, often collaborating with the International Auditing and Assurance Board (IAASB). Governance is supported by a due process intended to ensure transparency and public interest leadership.

Programs and offerings

The organisation’s primary offerings include the IESBA Handbook, which contains the International Code of Ethics, and various staff publications such as Q&A documents to support standard implementation. IESBA also produces the “Decoding Ethics” podcast and provides digital access to the IESBA Code. It hosts regular virtual and in-person meetings to discuss standard-setting developments.

ORGANISATION TYPE

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations

LOCATION

Global

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY INTERNATIONAL ETHICS STANDARDS BOARD FOR ACCOUNTANTS (IESBA)

International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (including International Independence Standards) and other revisions to the Code relating to sustainability assurance and reporting

International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) - International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)

25 August 2025

IESBA’s final pronouncement establishes ethics and independence standards for sustainability assurance by introducing Part 5 to the Code. It outlines five fundamental principles and a conceptual framework to address threats, alongside requirements for tax planning, responding to non-compliance, and leader rotation for public interest entities.

OVERVIEW REFERENCES

https://www.ethicsboard.org/