ASIC cracking down on SMSF auditors for conduct issues
As a trustee of a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF), we believe it is crucial to keep you informed about recent developments that may have implications for your fund. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken significant action against certain SMSF auditors to ensure compliance with regulatory obligations and maintain the integrity of SMSF audits.
In a recent compliance program, ASIC made a significant move by cancelling the registration of 413 SMSF auditors. In the past year, ASIC has also acted against 26 SMSF auditors due to their failure to meet independence and auditing standards or engaging in conduct that raised concerns about the credibility of their SMSF audits. As a result of their disqualification, these SMSF auditors have been included in ASIC’s public banned and disqualified register, rendering them ineligible to reapply for registration.
This information highlights the importance of selecting a competent and reliable SMSF auditor for your fund. By ensuring that your auditor meets regulatory standards, and conducts the audit process with utmost integrity, you can safeguard your SMSF’s interests and protect its assets.
As part of our commitment to helping you make informed decisions, we actively seek out suitably qualified auditors on your behalf. However, it is still the trustees role to appoint their Auditor of the super fund. We urge you to review the SMSF auditor for your fund and ensure they are registered, in compliance, and meet the necessary standards. You can easily check their status on ASIC’s SMSF Auditor register by visiting https://connectonline.asic.gov.au/RegistrySearch/faces/landing/SearchSmsfRegister.jspx?_adf.ctrl-state=tc3jhrk5m_4
For a more comprehensive understanding of ASIC’s actions and regulatory guidelines for SMSF auditors, we encourage you to explore the following resources:
- ASIC’s website – https://asic.gov.au/for-finance-professionals/self-managed-superannuation-fund-smsf-auditors/
- Regulatory Guide 243 – Registration of self-managed superannuation fund auditors – https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/regulatory-guides/rg-243-registration-of-self-managed-superannuation-fund-auditors/
- SMSF Advisor – www.smsfadviser.com/news/22611-asic-continues-to-act-against-smsf-auditors
Should you have any further questions or concerns about your SMSF audit or related matters, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you in navigating these regulatory changes and ensuring the financial security of your SMSF.