Independent Expert: Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

Descriptions

THIS IS A CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE The purpose of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is to serve the public interest by setting high standards of corporate governance, reporting and audit and by holding to account those responsible for delivering them. BACKGROUND The FRC is a public body, and a partner body of BEIS. Although funded by member and levy contributions, not by the taxpayer, the FRC is subject to public sector requirements and engages closely with other regulators and public bodies. The UK Stewardship Code is a voluntary code for asset managers (investment managers), asset owners and service providers (such as proxy advisers, investment consultants and data providers). The Stewardship Code promotes the responsible allocation, management and oversight of capital to create long-term value for clients and beneficiaries leading to sustainable benefits for the economy, the environment and society. We also monitor and take action to promote the quality of corporate reporting and operate independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. PROJECT & PURPOSE Following the UK's exit from the EU and UK auditors' loss of automatic statutory audit rights, the FRC (as competent authority responsible for approving third country qualifications) is seeking to secure several mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with key countries around the world. Via a process of engagement with a number of countries we have identified some priorities and have focused, in particular, on the qualifications of accountancy professional bodies in Australia and New Zealand with the intention of reaching MRAs with the authorities in Australia and New Zealand later this calendar year. We are currently reviewing the audit qualifications of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia (CPAA) relevant to the approval of their qualifications by the FRC as approved third country qualifications under section 1221 Companies Act 2006. Although Australia and New Zealand are likely to be the earliest MRAs that we are able to achieve, we are seeking an Independent Expert able to assist subsequently in assessing the qualifications of other countries with whom MRAs are agreed. OUR REQUIREMENT To appoint an independent expert to review the evidence we have identified, the conclusions we have drawn and report on the equivalence of the CAANZ, CPAA and audit qualifications granted by UK recognized qualifying bodies. This authoritative report will state whether in the opinion of the author the audit qualifications granted in Australia and New Zealand are comparable to UK qualifications. The report will be carried out with full academic rigour and will be impartial. Accordingly, it will provide assurance to the FRC Board, the accounting profession and government as to the equivalence of the qualifications concerned.