The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board has published its October 2026 eNews, providing updates on newly published auditing and sustainability assurance standards, ongoing consultations regarding audit evidence, and scheduled activities for the fourth quarter of 2026.
2026 Handbook and Standards Effective December 2026
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board has released the 2026 edition of its Handbook of International Quality Management, Auditing, Review, Sustainability and Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements.
The updated handbook incorporates key standards that come into effect in December 2026. These include ISA 240 (Revised) regarding auditor responsibilities for fraud, ISA 570 (Revised 2024) concerning going concern, and ISSA 5000, which sets out general requirements for sustainability assurance engagements.
The publication also contains narrow-scope amendments stemming from revised public interest entity definitions and rules on using the work of external experts published by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.
Audit Evidence Consultations and AI Quality Management
Public consultation remains open until 15 December 2026 on proposed revisions to ISA 330, ISA 500, and ISA 520. These proposals aim to strengthen the principles-based, risk-based audit framework while addressing increased technology use in business and financial reporting.
To assist stakeholders with the consultation, a support package has been made available, including a user survey for financial statement users, global webinars, technical video materials, an engagement slide deck, and a mapping table.
The board is also developing non-authoritative guidance on applying quality management standards to artificial intelligence tools. The initial publication, Guide 1 on Common Conceptual Foundation, is scheduled for release in November 2026, pending board approval during its October meeting.
Sustainability Assurance Guidance and Fourth-Quarter Schedule
Support for the implementation of ISSA 5000 continues, with additional frequently asked questions scheduled for release during the fourth quarter of 2026. This release will include general guidance as well as a joint publication produced alongside the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.
The board's event calendar for the fourth quarter includes a Stakeholder Advisory Council meeting in New York on 20 to 21 October, followed by a session with Jurisdictional Standard Setters on 22 October.
A virtual mid-quarter meeting is scheduled for 28 October to discuss technology quality management and inventory audit revisions, prior to a full meeting in Madrid from 7 to 10 December 2026.
