Category: News Roundup

These are brief synopses of news items that have been covered by other sites. They include a few paragraphs and a link to the fully contained article on another site.

Securities and Exchange Whistleblower program

SEC Whistleblower Tips Spike Since Start of Coronavirus

The Securities and Exchange Commission has received a dramatic increase in the number of whistleblower tips, likely due to the circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic, including an increase in layoff and furloughs, and many employees working from home. According to Steven Peikin, co-director of the division of enforcement of Read More

PCAOB

PCAOB Provides Direction on Audits Involving Cryptoassets

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board released a new advisory report to provide information for auditors and audit committees about audits involving cryptoassets, such as Bitcoin and other digital currencies. The Spotlight document, Audits Involving Cryptoassets – Information for Auditors and Audit Committees, calls for a greater focus by some Read More

risk appetite

COSO Issues New Guidance on Approach to Risk Appetite

Risk appetite is a critical link between strategy and performance. In an effort to help executives and managers better understand and communication risk appetite, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) issued new guidance, on how organizations can promote risk appetite as an integral part of decision-making. The guidance, titled “Risk Read More

KPMG Cheating Scandal

SEC Charges Three Former KPMG Audit Partners in Cheating Scandal

The Securities and Exchange Commission has settled charges against three former KPMG LLP audit partners for improperly sharing answers to internal training exams and for actions that attempted to impede an investigation into the misconduct. The SEC previously charged KPMG with violations connected to the exam sharing scandal, as well Read More

cybersecurity

Keep Privacy Regs in Mind During COVID-19

The aftermath of COVID-19 may change the way attorneys and other legal professionals think about or execute their work, but the privacy landscape could remain largely untouched. While obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act have been temporarily relaxed to facilitate the public’s access to telemedicine, the enforcement Read More

Internal audits covid-19 plan

New Practice Guide on Developing a Risk-based Audit Plan

With the pace of change accelerating and risks shifting in nearly inconceivable ways, proactive chief audit executives are assessing risks continuously and responding nimbly by adjusting audit plans. This practice guide provides practical examples and a flexible yet systematic approach to developing internal audit’s risk assessment and plan of engagements. Read More

SEC Fines Morgan Stanley $5 Million for Hidden Fees

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Morgan Stanley Smith Barney has agreed to pay $5 million to settle charges that it provided misleading information to clients in its retail wrap fee programs regarding trade execution services and transaction costs. The penalty for charging hidden fees will be distributed to Read More

coronavirus and internal audit

New Report Considers Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Internal Audit

A new report explores the long-term impact of the Coronavirus Crisis on internal audit functions around the globe. The report, “COVID-19 and Internal Audit: Preparing for the New Normal in 2020 and Beyond,” released by the Internal Audit Foundation, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and AuditBoard, provides practical direction as Read More