The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) issued revisions to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct to clarify independence requirements for engagements subject to the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAEs).
Most interpretations of the “Independence Rule” were written from the perspective of performing a financial statement audit or review engagement. However, these interpretations apply to any attest engagement, including SSAE engagements, which often involve different subject matters and reporting requirements.
To clarify its guidance, the PEEC added a new definition, made revisions to reflect application to SSAE engagements and provided examples for SSAE engagements. The revisions will be effective June 15, 2026, with early implementation allowed. Learn more.