January 2017
INTERNATIONAL ETHICS STANDARDS
BOARD FOR ACCOUNTANTS
FACT SHEET
Please read the highlighted five principles below:
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®) develops ethics standards
and guidance for use by professional accountants.
Objective
The IESBA develops and issues in the public interest high-quality ethics standards and other
pronouncements for professional accountants for use around the world. The IESBA Code of
Ethics for Professional Accountants applies to all professional accountants, whether in public
practice or in business (including education, the public sector, and the not-for-profit sector).
The IESBA Code serves as the foundation for codes of ethics developed and enforced by
International Ethics members of the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®). No member organization
Standards Board of IFAC or firm of professional accountants in public practice is allowed to apply less stringent
standards than those stated in the IESBA Code.
for Accountants
Pronouncements
• The IESBA Code of
Ethics for Professional Fundamental Principles
Accountants establishes The IESBA Code requires accountants to adhere to five fundamental principles:
principles of ethics • Integrity—A professional accountant should be straightforward and honest in all
for almost 3 million professional and business relationships.
• Objectivity—A professional accountant should not allow bias, conflict of interest or
professional accountants
undue influence of others to override professional or business judgments.
represented by IFAC. • Professional Competence and Due Care—A professional accountant has a continuing
• Interpretations to duty to maintain professional knowledge and skill at the level required to ensure
the IESBA Code of that a client or employer receives competent professional service based on current
Ethics for Professional developments. A professional accountant should act diligently and in accordance with
Accountants assist applicable technical and professional standards when providing professional services.
in the application of • Confidentiality—A professional accountant should respect the confidentiality of
information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships and should
the IESBA Code. The not disclose any such information to third parties without proper and specific
interpretations are authority unless there is a legal or professional right or duty to disclose. Confidential
authoritative. information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships should not
be used for the personal advantage of the professional accountant or third parties.
• Professional Behavior—A professional accountant should comply with relevant laws
and regulations and should avoid any conduct that discredits the profession.
