FRC Moves to Ensure Audit Integrity in AI Era, Hosts 2026 Audit, Assurance Leadership Summit

Nigeria's Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is preparing to host the "2026 Audit and Assurance Leadership Summit" in Lagos on August 13, 2026. The event is designed to foster critical discussions on audit quality, assurance practices, corporate governance, and the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the accounting and auditing profession.

Under the theme "Audit Integrity in the AI Era: Independence, Accountability and Reliable Financial Reporting," the summit will convene a diverse group of participants. These include regulators, audit professionals, corporate executives, academics, investors, technology experts, policymakers, and governance practitioners. Their collective aim is to dissect the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities that arise with the increasing adoption of AI in audit and assurance functions.

The FRC has specifically targeted professionals within the audit and assurance field, alongside CEOs, CFOs, finance executives, audit committee members, internal auditors, regulators, policymakers, investors, financial analysts, academics, and technology specialists. The council also extends an invitation to the broader financial reporting ecosystem and the public, encouraging participation in this national dialogue. Nigeria seeks to explore how the audit profession can maintain its integrity, independence, accountability, and public trust within an AI-driven business landscape.

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audit integrity, professional scepticism, auditor independence and stakeholder accountability are more critical now than ever in an environment where emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping business operations and financial reporting.

In an era where emerging technologies are rapidly transforming business operations and financial reporting, the FRC emphasizes that audit integrity, professional skepticism, auditor independence, and stakeholder accountability are more crucial than ever. The summit is envisioned as a pivotal platform for high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening assurance mechanisms, enhancing governance, and ensuring the reliability of financial reports in an increasingly AI-influenced economy.

Key highlights of the summit will feature keynote addresses from prominent local and international thought leaders, updates on regulatory and policy changes shaping the future of audit and assurance, and strategic discussions focusing on AI's role in audit quality and professional ethics. Attendees can also expect practical insights into reinforcing assurance and governance, alongside valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and key stakeholders.

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We hope to be able to serve the people of Nigeria and have our students do their national service and be employed in whatever opportunities they’re qualified for.