PCAOB Holds Its 17th Annual International Institute on Audit Regulation

On October 28 and 29, 2025, the PCAOB held its 2025 International Institute on Audit Regulation in Washington, D.C. The Institute’s theme was “A Firm’s System of Quality Control: The Foundation of Audit Quality” and included panels with, among others, PCAOB Board members and leaders from non-U.S. audit regulators. According to Karen B. Dietrich, the Director of the PCAOB’s Office of International Affairs: “The annual International Institute gives us the opportunity to discuss current audit matters with other audit regulators, deepen our understanding and cooperation with each other, and better protect investors around the world.”

On the first day of the Institute, PCAOB Acting Chair George Botic delivered remarks regarding “Vigilance Across Borders: The Global Imperative for Audit Quality.” The published remarks, as prepared for delivery, focused on the collaboration between the PCAOB and regulators globally, which includes conducting joint inspections. Acting Chair Botic outlined three themes as to “why global collaboration is critical to protecting investors and the public interest.” First, he emphasized that regulators must remain “vigilant” as private equity investments in accounting firms and “the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in the audit” increase. Second, Acting Chair Botic emphasized the PCAOB’s role in joint inspections and the importance of focusing on accounting firms’ systems of quality control. Lastly, the Acting Chair emphasized the “need for [] vigilance” and the “importance of global collaboration” as “global momentum moves toward stronger standards.”

Acting Chair Botic’s remarks are available here.