On 11 November 2026, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) released an introduction and the first instalment of a four-part guide series, Applying the IAASB's Quality Management Standards to AI-Enabled Technological Tools. According to the IAASB, the series aims to promote consistency and quality in the use of AI-enabled tools in audit and other assurance engagements. It was developed with the IAASB's Technology Quality Management Expert Group.
The guides are non-authoritative and do not introduce new requirements. They are intended to support the consistent and effective application of ISQM 1 and ISA 220 (Revised), taking into account firms' different circumstances and levels of technological maturity.
Guide 1, Common Conceptual Foundation, is available for use now. It covers what an AI-enabled technological tool is and its life cycle, quality management responsibilities at firm level and at engagement level, and risk assessment considerations for identifying and assessing quality risks. The IAASB notes that it may revise Guide 1 as the series progresses.
Subject to IAASB approval, the remaining publications are planned as follows: Guide 2, Firm-Level Quality Management Before Deployment, in January/February 2027; Guide 3, Engagement-Level Use and Oversight, in April/May 2027; and an integrated edition of all four guides, including Guide 4 on monitoring and remediation after deployment, in July/August 2027.
Source: International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)