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Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

Technical Resources

This webpage contains pronouncements, guides and articles that are relevant to the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

Ethics Educational Video

In November 2018, the Institute has revised the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the “revised Code”) adopting the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) issued by the International Ethics Standards Board (the “International Code”) in April 2018.

The revised Code issued by the Institute consists of the following Chapters:

A is based on the International Code
[B – not used]
C contains either local application or represents an amplification of provisions in the International Code (i.e. Chapter A of this Code)
D is a comparison of the revised Code with the International Code
E applies to specialized areas of practice
F contains guidelines on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing for professional accountants.

Chapters C, E and F are carried forward from the extant Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (Revised February 2018) and form an integral part of the revised Code.

Click below for more information:

HKICPA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (Revised 2022)

HKICPA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (Revised 2018)

IESBA International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards)

2023 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics fo Professional Accountants
IFAC Exploring the IESBA Code
IESBA eCode
IESBA Global Webinar Explaining the Newly Effective Code of Ethics (December 2019)
IESBA Code of Ethics High Level Summary of Prohibitions Applicable to Audits of Public Interest Entities (November 2019)
IESBA Webinar: The Revised and Restructured Code (April 2019)
Preparing for the IESBA eCode (April 2019)

General guidance and references

The Institute

HKICPA Ethics Circular 1 Guidance for Small and Medium Practitioners on the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
HKICPA Sustainability Assurance and Ethics
HKICPA Bi-Weekly Technical News
HKICPA Ethics Video and Poster: Pressure to Breach the Fundamental Principles of the Code (January 2024)
HKICPA Ethics Video: Responding to Conflicts of Interests (March 2023)
HKICPA Ethics Survey 2021 (Report / HKICPA A-Plus article / Video)
HKICPA Case study: Professional accountants’ behaviour beyond their professional work (Case Study / HKICPA A-Plus Article) (January 2022)
HKICPA Case study: Code of Ethics for PAIB and PAIP (Case Study / HKICPA A-Plus Article Part 1 and Part 2) (September 2021)
HKICPA Illustrative examples on referral fees (July 2020)

Others

CCAB Ethics Resources
CPA Canada Trust and ethics
ICAC HKBEDC Ethics Resources for Accounting Professionals
ICAEW Trust & Ethics and Ethics Recordings
ICAS Shades of Grey ethical dilemma case studies

Frequently used resources

SMP and SMP Resource Centre

HKFRS for Private Entities Information Centre

New Companies Ordinance Resource Centre

IFAC gateway

Technical enquiries

	Click here to submit questions on standards issued by the Institute.

Technology-related Revisions to the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2024)
The Institute Members’ Handbook Update No. 299 (July 2023) IESBA Technology: Ethics & Independence Considerations Practical Guidance for Auditors In Technology-related Scenarios (July 2023) Recording: Case Study in Ethical Use of AI Today (June 2023) Basis for Conclusions and Final Pronouncements (April 2023) IESBA Technology Initiative Final Phase 2 Report (November 2022) Ethical Leadership in a Digital Era: Applying the IESBA Code to Selected Technology-Related Scenarios (September 2022) Exploring the IESBA Code, A Focus on Technology (March 2022) Webinar on Technology and Ethics (May 2021) IESBA Technology Initiative Phase 1 Report (December 2019) Others ICAEW: Ethics and new technologies IFAC resources summary: Technology Matrix IFAC technology-related materials CPA Canada: Technology is a double-edged sword: Opportunities and challenges for the accountancy profession (December 2021) IFAC Ethical Leadership in an Era of Complexity and Digital Change (February 2021)

Technology-related Revisions to the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2024)

The Institute

Members’ Handbook Update No. 299 (July 2023)

IESBA

Technology: Ethics & Independence Considerations
Practical Guidance for Auditors In Technology-related Scenarios (July 2023)
Recording: Case Study in Ethical Use of AI Today (June 2023)
Basis for Conclusions and Final Pronouncements (April 2023)
IESBA Technology Initiative Final Phase 2 Report (November 2022)
Ethical Leadership in a Digital Era: Applying the IESBA Code to Selected Technology-Related Scenarios (September 2022)
Exploring the IESBA Code, A Focus on Technology (March 2022)
Webinar on Technology and Ethics (May 2021)
IESBA Technology Initiative Phase 1 Report (December 2019)

Others

ICAEW: Ethics and new technologies
IFAC resources summary: Technology Matrix
IFAC technology-related materials
CPA Canada: Technology is a double-edged sword: Opportunities and challenges for the accountancy profession (December 2021)
IFAC Ethical Leadership in an Era of Complexity and Digital Change (February 2021)

Revisions to the Definitions of Listed Entity and Public Interest Entity in the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2024)
IESBA Summary of Prohibitions in the IESBA Code Applicable to Audits of Public Interest Entities (March 2024) Database of Public Interest Entity Definitions by Jurisdiction (April 2023) Staff Q&A (March 2023) Webinar on the Definition of Public Interest Entity (May 2022) Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusion (April 2022) HKICPA Video: HKICPA Proposed Revisions to the Definitions of Listed Entity and Public Interest Entity in the Code (March 2024)

Revisions to the Definitions of Listed Entity and Public Interest Entity in the Code

(Effective Date: 15 December 2024)

IESBA

Summary of Prohibitions in the IESBA Code Applicable to Audits of Public Interest Entities (March 2024)
Database of Public Interest Entity Definitions by Jurisdiction (April 2023)
Staff Q&A (March 2023)
Webinar on the Definition of Public Interest Entity (May 2022)
Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusion (April 2022)

HKICPA

Video: HKICPA Proposed Revisions to the Definitions of Listed Entity and Public Interest Entity in the Code (March 2024)

Revisions to the Code Relating to the Definition of Engagement Team and Group Audit (Effective Date: 15 December 2023)
The Institute Members’ Handbook Update No. 291 (May 2023) IESBA Staff Q&A (October 2023) Webinar, Basis for Conclusions and Final Pronouncement (February 2023)

Revisions to the Code Relating to the Definition of Engagement Team and Group Audit

(Effective Date: 15 December 2023)

The Institute

Members’ Handbook Update No. 291 (May 2023)

IESBA

Staff Q&A (October 2023)
Webinar, Basis for Conclusions and Final Pronouncement (February 2023)

Revised Non-Assurance Services and Fee-related Provisions of the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2022)
The Institute E-learning: Revised Non-Assurance Services and Fee-Related Provisions of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (March 2022) IESBA Staff Q&A: Revised Non-Assurance Services Provisions of the Code (July 2022) Staff Q&A: Revised Fee-related Provisions of the Code (January 2022) Global Webinar on the Non-Assurance Services Revisions to the IESBA Code (June 2021) Global Webinar on the Fee-related Revisions to the IESBA Code (June 2021) NAS and Fees Infographic (April 2021) Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusions (April 2021) Ethical Considerations Relating to Audit Fee Setting in the Context of Downward Fee Pressure (January 2016)

Revised Non-Assurance Services and Fee-related Provisions of the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2022)

The Institute

E-learning: Revised Non-Assurance Services and Fee-Related Provisions of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (March 2022)

IESBA

Staff Q&A: Revised Non-Assurance Services Provisions of the Code (July 2022)
Staff Q&A: Revised Fee-related Provisions of the Code (January 2022)
Global Webinar on the Non-Assurance Services Revisions to the IESBA Code (June 2021)
Global Webinar on the Fee-related Revisions to the IESBA Code (June 2021)
NAS and Fees Infographic (April 2021)
Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusions (April 2021)
Ethical Considerations Relating to Audit Fee Setting in the Context of Downward Fee Pressure (January 2016)

Revisions to the Code to Promote the Role and Mindset Expected of Professional Accountants (Effective Date: 31 December 2021)
The Institute HKICPA educational video: The Role and Mindset Expected of Professional Accountants – A Focus on Bias (July 2023) HKICPA A-Plus Article: The role and mindset expected of professional accountants (April 2021) HKICPA E-learning: Revisions to the Code to promote the Role and Mindset Expected of Professional Accountants (February 2021) IESBA IESBA Fact Sheet (November 2020) Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusions (October 2020)

Revisions to the Code to Promote the Role and Mindset Expected of Professional Accountants (Effective Date: 31 December 2021)

The Institute

IESBA

IESBA Fact Sheet (November 2020)
Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusions (October 2020)

Long Association of Personnel with an Audit Client (Effective Date: 15 December 2018)
IESBA Staff Q&A (May 2019) Close-Off Document and Basis for Conclusions (January 2017)

Long Association of Personnel with an Audit Client (Effective Date: 15 December 2018)

IESBA

Staff Q&A (May 2019)
Close-Off Document and Basis for Conclusions (January 2017)

Responding to Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (Effective Date: 15 July 2017)
Institute HKICPA Article: Responsibilities for NOCLAR by professional accountants in business (October 2022) HKICPA Ethics Video: Responding to NOCLAR (June 2022) HKICPA e-seminar: How will the new ethical standard NOCLAR affect you? (September 2017) HKICPA A-Plus Article: New Ethical Standard Gives New Meaning on Acting in the Public Interest (January 2017) IESBA Staff Q&A for Professional Accountants in Public Practice (January 2019) Staff Q&A for Professional Accountants in Business (January 2019) Powerpoint: NOCLAR Overview (January 2018) Q&A Video Series (July 2016) Fact Sheet (July 2016) At a Glance (July 2016) Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusions (July 2016)

Responding to Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (Effective Date: 15 July 2017)

Institute

HKICPA Article: Responsibilities for NOCLAR by professional accountants in business (October 2022)
HKICPA Ethics Video: Responding to NOCLAR (June 2022)
HKICPA e-seminar: How will the new ethical standard NOCLAR affect you? (September 2017)
HKICPA A-Plus Article: New Ethical Standard Gives New Meaning on Acting in the Public Interest (January 2017)

IESBA

Staff Q&A for Professional Accountants in Public Practice (January 2019)
Staff Q&A for Professional Accountants in Business (January 2019)
Powerpoint: NOCLAR Overview (January 2018)
Q&A Video Series (July 2016)
Fact Sheet (July 2016)
At a Glance (July 2016)
Final Pronouncement and Basis for Conclusions (July 2016)

COVID-19 Related Guidance
IESBA IESBA COVID-19: Ethics & Independence Considerations Others CPA Australia Reporting and auditing during COVID-19 IAASB Guidance for Auditors During the Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID-19 Related Guidance

IESBA

IESBA COVID-19: Ethics & Independence Considerations

Others

Last updated: March 2024

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Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

Technology-related Revisions to the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2024)

Revisions to the Definitions of Listed Entity and Public Interest Entity in the Code

(Effective Date: 15 December 2024)

Revisions to the Code Relating to the Definition of Engagement Team and Group Audit

(Effective Date: 15 December 2023)

Revised Non-Assurance Services and Fee-related Provisions of the Code (Effective Date: 15 December 2022)

Revisions to the Code to Promote the Role and Mindset Expected of Professional Accountants (Effective Date: 31 December 2021)

Long Association of Personnel with an Audit Client (Effective Date: 15 December 2018)

Responding to Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (Effective Date: 15 July 2017)

COVID-19 Related Guidance